Richard William Clemens

He was born in Jersey City, NJ to Henry and Elizabeth Schade and then adopted by Konrad Clemens after his father died when Richard was three years old. He grew up in Brooklyn, NY and had fond memories of playing stickball with friends and twisting candy canes as his first job, in the family-owned candy store. He entered Villanova University on a naval ROTC scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. At college, he met the love of his life, Donna, “when their eyes met across the room” during a college dance. They married young and moved thirteen times in his naval career as a lieutenant. Richard fondly remembered these days of flying missions in Alaska, tracking Russian submarines during the Cold War, and navigating the skies on P3 Orions. After having two children, Richard left the Navy to begin a successful professional career. He worked for American Cyanamid where he won multiple golden oval awards for being the top sales producer. He ended his career as a Vice-president of Sales and Marketing at Plas-Pak Industries where he developed two patents that are still used today in the packaging industry. Richard loved his career and worked until he was 75.

He and his wife, Donna, became snowbirds and spent their Winters at Pelican Sound in Estero. He loved to golf and enjoyed the many friendships he made throughout his years there. He started a men’s golf group that brought much laughter and camaraderie and a few hole-in-ones. Four to be exact! Richard was a humble and kind man, extremely intelligent, and beloved by everyone who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say about everyone. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family most of all and enjoyed special vacations together, making memories and taunting them with his superior cribbage playing skills with the constant snap of his cards on the table. He was a proud alumni of Villanova University and followed his college basketball team to many championship seasons. Richard was truly, one of a kind, a gentleman with strong values and a beautiful soul. He touched the lives of everyone he met.

Richard is survived by his two children; Richard Clemens II (Kristin), Kathy Basil (Michael); grandchildren: Richard Clemens III, Christopher Clemens, Joshua Basil, and Alexander Basil. A brother, Henry R. Clemens of the Villages, FL and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by parents, Henry Schade and Konrad and Elizabeth Clemens, and his beloved wife, Donna, of 46 years.

A Catholic mass will be on December 29, 2021 at Saint John the Evangelist church in Naples, Florida at 12 pm. Reception and a celebration of his life will immediately follow at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, Estero, FL, Little Sisters of the Poor, Enfield, CT or to another charity of your choice.