Richard Kern Spence (Dick) 83 of Tampa, Fl passed away on July 20, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife and three daughters.
Dick was a native of Tampa where he attended Christ the King Catholic School, Jesuit high School (9th) and Plant High School Class of 1959. He met the love of his life Yolanda (Yolie) at 16 at a high school dance. They were married in 1961 and would celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary this coming October. Together they raised 3 daughters and welcomed 3 sons-in-laws, 8 grandchildren, 1 grandson in-law and await the arrival of their first great grandson this October.
Dick was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired in 2000 from Chevron Oil where he worked for 32 years. During his retirement he and Yolie enjoyed traveling with friends on their Honda red-wing motorcycle.
He is survived by his wife Yolanda (Yolie), daughters Merritt Spence Lealman(Paul), Trina Spence Troost (Neil), Stephanie Spence Vila (Eddie); his sister Carol Cossota (Frank) and 7 grandchildren: Cecily Pullara, Brittany Lealman Lilienthal (Chase), Spence Pullara, Marcelo Vila, Dominic Vila, Lorenzo Vila and Mathias Vila.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles (Kern) and LaVerna (Dolly) Spence; and his granddaughter Jillian Lealman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church on August 18th at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the church hall.
Richard will be interned at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on August 28th.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough County at SuncoastHospiceFoundation.org
Our deepest sympathy and prayers. Dick was a neighbor of mine growing up in South Tampa. I remember him on his bike riding around the streets and playing with his sister Carol. Imagine my surprise when I started teaching at Christ the King and met Yolie and discovered she was married to Dickie! Through the years we have remained friends and attended their beautiful daughters’ weddings. He and Yolie did a beautiful job of raising their daughters and loving their grandchildren to the moon and back.
Susan and Tom Boyle
I have loved this family for 59 years. Dick threw his fishing line in our FL canal and caught a fish in less than a minute!
He loved boating and his family. We will miss you.
Sincere condolences to you Yolie and family. May Dick rest in peace in Our Lord’s arms 🙏🌹❤️
Rob and I have fond memories of times spent with Yolie and Dick. Rob remembers playing golf with Dick and our fun social gatherings. May he rest in peace in the Lord’s hands.
Merritt and family,
I was so sorry to read today about your father’s passing. I must have missed your announcement on Facebook as I am not on it very often. I know how difficult it is to lose your father especially since you had just moved back to Tampa and I’m sure planned on spending a lot of time with him. My deepest condolences in his loss. May God give you strength and courage and encircle you in His arms during these difficult times. Love, Frances
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Spence family. I have so many fond memories of my family growing up together with the Spence family. Dick had such a great laugh. I remember the time my dad and I went fishing with Dick. He had all the fishing gear you could ever want and was a darn good fisherman. I can still see the trophy bass he had mounted on the wall. Staying out at the lake and BBQ get togethers.
Good times! Dick, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Rest In Peace.
To Yolie, Merritt, Trina & Stephanie
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love you all
Tom & Jolynn Vonderhaar.