Richard A. “Dick” McGauran, 94, of Largo, FL, died peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2012 with family by his side after being injured in a fall near his home.
Dick was born in Evanston, Illinois February 6th, 1918. As a triplet, he and his siblings were not expected to survive and they were placed together in a box while the doctor assisted with their mother. The Chicago Tribune carried a story the next day titled “Three More Irish to Fight the Kaiser.”
Dick married Patricia May Weinstock in 1940. In 1942, he left to serve as a medic in WWII. After his return, he worked for many years with his father-in-law at the Winnetka Coal and Lumber Yard. He also purchased a family-owned convenience store. In 1966, he joined GTE eventually transferring from the Chicago area to Florida.
Dick was a man whose greatest joy was to be with his family. He loved every family celebration. He had a gift for entertaining everyone with his humorous stories. He loved life and lived a full one.
Dick is preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Erickson, brother Charles “Chuck” McGauran and sister Jean Douglas. Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Pat; two sons, Richard McGauran, Jr. (Judy) and Dennis McGauran (Melanie); daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Guthrie (Martin) and son-in-law Matthew Erickson. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd at The Chapel on the Hill UCC, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
Please sign the guestbook below.
A wonderful loving Papa whom we miss with all our hearts!
We loved that guy! He always made you feel very special and he enjoyed his life and family more than anyone else I know. We will miss him so.
I love him and will miss him so much. So proud he was my Papa!
I remember a wonderful Thanksgiving in Columbus, Ga with the McGaurans….what fun we had…..good memories of Pat and Dick…..God Speed ……
What a beautiful legacy Mr. McGauran left all of you! His love of family & graciousness hosting parties certainly live on in you, Dick & Judy! And married 71 years – Wow! Love & caring from us to you, Mrs. McGauran & the rest of the family.
Richard & Sandra