Richard G. Irving (Richie), a resident of Siesta Key passed away on November 11, 2016 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, holding the hand of his partner, Helene Hyland who loved him more than anything. He was surrounded by his niece, Judy Santiago and her husband, Joe, his friends, Sally Kenel and Monsignor Vincent F. Fullam all of whom helped him to enter Heaven and end his pain and suffering. His children Jim Irving, Robert Irving and Denise Irving were with him earlier in the week to also give him strength and comfort and love. Richie was a resident of Breezy Point, Siesta Key, Florida and the City of Anna Maria. He was the devoted son of the late Arthur and Elsie Irving and much loved brother of the late Elizabeth (Betty) Varela and the late Arthur (Sonny) Irving. He is survived by his five loving children, Richard Irving and his wife, Gina, James Irving and his wife, Patricia, Michele Zanghi and her husband, Charlie, Denise Irving and her husband, Steve Gajdi and Robert Irving and his wife, Patricia and his ten grandchildren, Richard and Alyssa Irving, James and Kevin Irving, Michael, Sierra and Emma Irving and Gage, Kyle and Alexis Zanghi. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and was thrilled to have them visit him on the deck of the Breezy Point bungalow particularly this past summer and in Polynesian Gardens on Siesta Key and in Anna Maria. Richie is also survived by his brother in law, Andrew Varela, Sr. Richie was a devoted uncle to his much beloved nephew, Andrew Varela, Jr. and his wife Mary and their daughters, Ann Marie Quinn and her children, Callie, Jenna and Ryan and Alyson Varela and his much beloved niece, Judy Santiago and her husband, Joe and their children, Lauren Uberti and her husband, Michael and their children, Michael, Lucia and Christian, Megan Gould and her husband, Sean and their children, Ellie and Jameson and Joseph Santiago. He will also be greatly missed by Helene’s family, her sister, Meg Kaiven and her children, Marie Rella and her husband, Frederick Rella and their children, Freddy, Frankie and Julianna and her son, Francis Kaiven and his daughter, Violet and Helene’s sister, Terry Constantino and her husband, Robert and their children, Christopher Constantino and his wife, Kim, Maureen Constantino Stern and Bridgid Constantino and Brad. Meg’s husband, Frank Kaiven and Helene’s parents, Marguerite and Bernard Hyland were waiting for him in heaven. Born and raised in downtown Brooklyn, Richie was the owner of R&H Poly Luncheonette for many years. He was also a distinguished and longtime food service manager for Aramax Food Service at Pfizer Corporation in Williamsburg. While living in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, Richie was an active member of the NYS Conservative Party and served as President of the Franklin K. Lane High School PTA and was instrumental in helping to bring back football to Franklin K. Lane HS serving as President of the Football Booster Club. He also coached CYO baseball at Blessed Sacrament Parish and supported the Blessed Sacrament Drum and Bugle Corps and catered many a fundraising dinner to support Blessed Sacrament Church. While living in Baldwin, Long Island and Effort, Pa. he was also active in youth football. Upon moving to Siesta Key, Florida for health reasons in 2001, he and Helene became active in the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the All Faiths Food Bank and supported Dick Vitale and his fundraising efforts to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Richie also served as Social Chairperson at Polynesian Gardens and organized and ran many happy and fun events for the residents. Richie lived life to the fullest even while struggling with and surviving many health issues. This last struggle was just too much for him. Helene and Richie’s family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who comforted and treated Richie throughout the years and in his last days but most especially Dr.Ranjan Ghose. Thank you also to our many friends and neighbors in Breezy Point and in Polynesian Gardens who were always there to help us and to Richie’s great friend, Fernando Piney, owner of Dutch Valley Restaurant and all the servers and owners of the many restaurants that Helene and Richie frequented in Breezy Point, Siesta Key and Anna Maria. Richie’s kindness and courage and strength will live on to inspire others who struggle. Always remember how funny Richie was and when you think of him SMILE.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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