Richard John DiFrenna, 77, of Largo, FL passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on August 11, 1947 in Providence, RI to John & Peggy DiFrenna. Richard served in the Marine Corps. He married his beloved wife Karen on April 26, 1986 after they moved to Florida. Before retirement, he was the owner-manager of the Porpoise Pub on Seminole Blvd. It was inspired by the TV show “Flipper” and opened in 1965. It was seen as an iconic place to have a drink and see “Dolly” the porpoise that made the pub famous and a much-visited landmark. Richard was a member of the biker community and frequented car shows. He loved the beach, motorcycles and had a knack for creativity, but most of all, his greatest accomplishment was raising his children. He was very much a “take the shirt off his back” kind of fellow and would do anything for others no matter who they were, he was very much a “rock” to his family.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen DiFrenna, his parents, his uncle Phillip & aunt Gina, his brother-
in-law, Rusty Ash, and nephew, Ryan Dantone.
He is survived by his sons Beau (Sharalyn) & Nico DiFrenna, Linda DiFrenna, sister Donna Dantone, nephew Scotty (Nikki), nieces & nephews Tessa, Ava & John, 8 grandchildren, and his pet dog, Jade.
Richard will be laid to rest next to his wife at Serenity Gardens in Largo. Services will be private.
My condolences. Richard will be missed dearly. Miss his hugs and talks.
Sending my condolences. Pops…you will be missed!
One of the coolest men I have ever met. He will be missed. Love you Richard!!!
I am so very sorry for your loss . Your dad was the role model for a great father and man.
RIP Bro. It was a pleasure to cross paths with you.
I’m going to miss you! When I ran into you at Publix, I was so happy to see you! When I saw you at Sunset Tattoo, I felt so happy to hear that your surgery went well! You have been a beacon for me! I love you 💕 My condolences to your family and friends for the loss of such a wonderful person!
My deepest condolences and prayers to Nico & family.
You will be missed and always remembered as a kind wonderful man and a friend to all. Rest easy Richard.
My deepest condolences
Rest in peace, Richard
My condolences to the entire family. Richard was such a sweet man. So many years of enjoyment hanging out at the Porpoise Pub. Always a welcoming smile. He will be missed.
Healing prayers the family
Love and light
A legend is never forgotten. Rest in paradise!
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends. Richard was a great neighbor and friend. We will miss him walking Jade and the talks we had. God’s speed Richard! Ride free my friend. 🙏
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to the biker community and especially to the DiFrenna family. Thanks for all the memories, you will be missed 😢
Richey, was certainly one of a kind. He had a great sense of humor and one of them all loving souls that I ever had the pleasure to meet. We had some real fun times, having everyone on the rock, legend cruise think he was a famous musician, getting caught in a terrible rain storm while we were riding to Daytona, such a blast in Key West. Never a dull moment when he was around. He will be greatly missed and he was certainly blessed with tons of love in this lifetime. Rest in peace, sweet guy.
On behalf of the Big Boneyard Abate Chapter we send condolences to the family. He will be so missed. Gone but will never be forgotten.
You will be missed dearly… Love ya Brother
Heartfelt condolences to all Richards friends and family…
Ride on in the sky dear Richard. See u on the other side.
♥️
You are so incredibly missed already. Your sarcastic ass sense of humor, always ragging on Nico, and cheek kiss greetings brought so much joy into my life as well as my children’s. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to spend the past few years really getting to know who Richard was behind the beard and all the tattoos. Don’t you worry, we will all take care of Nico & make sure he don’t EVER step out of line. Love you pops
A true legend that I’m so thankful to have known. You will be missed dearly.
My condolences to Nico & Family. Praying for comfort during this hard time. 💙💐
You will be forever missed pops. You were such a great person. Thank you for always being there for me. ❤️
I worked for him at the pub and he was always a stand up guy and a GREAT BOSS!! so sad to hear about this .. I love you Niko and I have been praying for you babe!! I hope I can make it out there !! Xoxo
love u papa
My condolences! So very sorry for your loss 🙏🏻🙏🏻
RICHARD would be dearly missed until we ride again my brother . gone but not forgotten.
You will be missed, my friend. Ride on in heaven brother.
Man I so sorry to hear that pops passed. You guys was my neighbors for a long time. Once again I’m so sorry for your loss.
Richey you are so loved and missed by so many.
Rest easy now my friend. You will forever be in my heart. 🩷