Richard Gasso

Born in Milwaukee, WI and died in Jupiter, FL.

Predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Pauline Gasso (nee Kusik), his beloved brother, Donald Gasso and his loving wife LaVerne Eva Gasso.

Survived by his children Vince Gasso (Robyn) and grandchildren Vincent, Michael and Anthony, Lorene Gasso Taylor (Matthew Taylor) and Linda Gasso Moringello (Anthony Moringello), his nieces and nephews and his extended family of Kusik relatives.

Richard graduated from Northshore High School in Milwaukee and started college. He was drafted into the Army and served as a cook at Fort Lewis in Washington State. He married LaVerne Gasso (nee Berndt). He worked as a Meat Cutter/Butcher in his family’s businesses, Gasso Prime Meats and later Gasso Cardinal Foods. After the birth of his third child, he went back to college and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

He began a career as a Contracts Administrator at Astronautics Corporation, negotiating contracts with the US Government, Israel, and several government contractors, including Boeing and Grumman. He loved working for “Astro” and made lifelong friends. He worked with his Brother-In-Law Donald Castelaz and they had many stories, all which ended in laughter. He loved traveling and meeting new people as part of his job. He also worked as a Mediator for the State of Wisconsin and put his negotiating skills to the test.

Richard and LaVerne enjoyed camping, traveling and were very proud to own their own home. Their children were raised in Brookfield, WI. Richard was known as “Uncle Dick” to the neighborhood children as well as his extended family. He was a “dad’ to many kids, not just his own, driving carpools, cooking meals, appearing at endless swim meets and school concerts, coaching his children’s teams, and volunteering as a Scout Leader. He truly lived by being an example to others, by including everyone whenever he could. His was very proud that all three of his children were college graduates, married and owned their own homes.

He and LaVerne went to Miami on their honeymoon and fell in love with Florida. The traveled to Florida as often as possible, including exploring the Keys before they were developed. They lived in Wisconsin for most of their lives, due to family obligations, but moved to Florida 7 years ago and loved every minute of it. Each sunny day was a treat, and they had lots of days swimming and sunning. Richard loved the water, was an avid swimmer, scuba diver and water skier.

Richard was proud of his Slovak heritage and trained as a Sokol gymnast. He authored articles published in the Wisconsin Slovak magazine. He had three friends he met in kindergarten, and they remained lifelong buddies, Fran, Wally and Elmer. They bonded over having families from Europe and growing up in the United States.

Richard had a strong faith in Christ as his Savior. He attended church his whole life. He had a deep fellowship with the people at Calvary Church, Florida. It was an experience he never had before. He looked forward to going to church, serving as a Greeter, attending Monday Night Men’s Group and of course, coffee, after service. Thank you to all the men who loved him in return.

Richard loved to cook for everyone and entertain. He was a fantastic storyteller and host. Raise a glass in his memory. Na Zdravje

Visitation at Aycock- Riverside Funeral Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458, Thursday July 21, 2022 at 10 am, followed by a Service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to Friends of Homeless Animals, a no kill animal shelter at https://foha.kindful.com. Richard supported the shelter and delighted in playing Santa for dog photos.