On behalf of my mother Joan, my brother Brian, my sister Elizabeth, and myself, thank you for your support during what has been a very difficult week and for coming today to celebrate the life of Dick Stiles through this funeral mass.

We, his children, are a little biased in our memories. We don't know that brash young man of 21 whose 19 year old girlfriend is wearing his US Navy hat in the picture that I sure hope you saw yesterday. We do know the man who he became, though: A husband and father whose family was the center of everything he did. And we know how he was perceived by those who knew him: As a good man. Our family greeted a lot of people last night during the visiting hours, and what we heard over and over again was “I'm sorry. Your husband, your father, was just a good man.”

My earliest memories of my father include him laughing. He enjoyed life completely. I also remember just how physically strong he was. Most children, when they are very young, know in their hearts that their father is the strongest man in the world. As we got older, we realized that in our case- our father actually was the strongest man in the world. Brian and I were moving a refrigerator with him when we were teenagers. We were goofing around and couldn't really carry our end of it when he said, “I got it,” brushed us out of the way, and just picked it up and carried it in himself. This is probably a fair time to mention that my father wasn't the most patient man. He was strong physically, but he was also strong of will. Several years back we almost lost my dad to a massive stroke. I remember being in the emergency room with my mother while a doctor gently prepared us for the probability that he was dying. I didn't believe it for a minute. I remember praying to God for just a chance for this man. For I knew, given any chance, he would survive through sheer will and determination. And he did. And he recovered as much as anyone could have.

God gave my father many gifts. He was a brilliant man, one of the smartest I have ever met. I learned this while Trivial Pursuit was in style when I was a kid. My mom and dad and their friends would play, and I would watch. It didn't take long to notice that his team always won, that all of his friends wanted him on their own team, and that his knowledge was very well-rounded. I think he could have pursued any career he wanted, but what he wanted was to provide for his family, spend time with them, and do fun things with them and with his friends. Money and material things had no hold on him.

We learned many valuable lessons from my father, both important and not important. Take care of your family. Work hard. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your life. Treasure your grandchildren. Always stop at a lemonade stand. Never cede any right to the government, because they will never give it back- Dick Stiles was a libertarian at heart long before it was fashionable to say you were. You don't need to have a lot of money to live and provide a very rich life. And most importantly, if you are lucky enough to find a lifetime love, hold onto her and keep her forever. 

I am confident that God has taken care of Dad. It is we who are poorer for his absence. I hope he has found some old friends like Johnny, Jim, Bob, and Ann, and is patiently waiting for his chance to see the rest of his family and friends again.

Thank you again for coming.

This is such a tragedy. Dick was so strong and afterhis stroke he could not talk, walk, care for himself. His strenght shone such an example of courage and fighting to get.home. With the hardest work, he found strength to move his arm, move a leg..For us it sounds easy, but for this amazing man it was like lifting a house. Months of therapy, family and friends consantly supporting him.. He walked!!! Talked, fed himself. His willingness and determination brought him home. I love you with all of my heart. You were my go to guy, i could tell u anything.  Well, im telling you Dick Stiles, you are a true, strong, awesome man and i will miss you everyday until i die. I love you, Rebecca Davis

He fit more love and more fun into life than most people I know.  I'll remember him always, on the porch in Sandwich, with that signature smile.  All my love and sympathy to the Stiles.

Joan Dick Brian Elizibeth.I cant tell you how sorry I was not able to be there in your hour of need, But knowing you are together as a family has put my mind at ease, I will be away on Friday and once again it saddens me deeply That I cant attend his final rest ,Dick was a great friend and I will never forget him ,I will never ever forget ,All my love and prayers rest in peace brave and loving man....

Our thoughts are with you Joan and the family   Maureen and Frank Pezzuto

To know Dick was to love him!   A good guy gone too soon.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Joan our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Much love.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

How do I begin to tell the story of a man who has been so important in my life full of love and laughter always a smile  ups and downs I miss you my dearest friend xxxxxxolkl

My condolences to the Family,  Wow, so sorry for your loss

I can't put in words the love I had for POPS...  Pops was a huge part of my life growing up and always looked up to him as my own "father".  He taught me so much and will always remember the GREAT memories we had.  I will miss you so much and ALWAYS love you.

I can't express the love I have for Pops...  "POPS" was such a huge part of my life growing up and always looked up to him as my own "father".  He will be sadly missed and will always remember the GREAT memories... Never forget what a great man he was as he taught me a lot.  RIP Pops....  Miss you and will always LOVE YOU......

OBITUARY

Richard Gerard Stiles

October 4, 1949 – July 29, 2014

Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

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