Richard W. Pokowitz

Richard William Pokowitz, 76 of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, died peacefully at home on November 24, 2023. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1946. After high school, Richard served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam in 1966 – 1968. Richard then made a 40-year career with the United States Postal Service in Manhattan, New York & Long Island, New York. Richard retired as Manager of Fleet Operations and moved to Florida in 2013 to enjoy the sun.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Helen & Anthony Pokowitz and is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Janet Pokowitz, his sister Marylynn Brezsnyak, his daughters Carolyn Ciatto & Kim Pokowitz, his bonus kids Bryan Bugliari, Kerri Wolfrath & Kurt Bugliari and he was known as "Pop" to his 6 beautiful granddaughters and 2 handsome grandsons and 3 adorable great-grandchildren.

Richard was best known for being an avid fisherman. He had great love for the sea, his boats and was on occasion referred to as Captain Rich. He knew anything and everything there was to know about fishing whether it be on the river or fishing offshore. Of course, he was usually the one reeling in the most fish and on occasion would hook a fish and just hand over his pole and say, “Here, this one is yours!”

He also acquired skills from a lifetime of Hot Rodding. He learned everything by doing things himself from the age of 6. He loved taking things apart, figuring it all out and putting it all back together again. In recent years, he was acknowledged for his outstanding talent in the building of a 1952 F1 Ford Pickup and was honored by being placed on the cover of Cruisin’ Style Magazine and given a 4 page article. He's probably doing burn outs in heaven right now.

A Gathering of Friends and Family to honor Rich's life and legacy will be held Sunday, December 10th from 3 pm-5 pm at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home - Port Orange, 4815 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange FL 32129. A time for those who wish to share a personal memory will be held prior to a memorial service, led by Deacon Nick Amicone, beginning at 4 pm with military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider dedicating a donation to the American Cancer Society.