Richard E. Schoditsch

He was born to Erwin and Marian Schoditsch in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 22nd, 1941. A miracle baby weighing 3 pounds 3 ounces –- and to the Glory of God he became the darling of the Nuns who were nurses in that hospital. Determined that he would live they carried him against their hearts, kept him warm, and sang to him. He went home to his parents before his first birthday.

He became smart, caring, gentle, curious, and oh, so determined to be the best he could be! We believe that Dick Schoditsch accomplished in his life all that God intended. He grew up in Miami and after college at Florida State University and Officer Candidate School, he finished flight school as a Naval Flight Officer in Pensacola. He served in the United States Navy in Hawaii in the E-2 Hawkeyes from Midway Island to Adak, Alaska; as a Communications Officer at the Naval Air Station in Key West; and three 6-9-month cruises in the Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW-125) aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga out of Virginia Beach. After his 7-year tour of Active Duty, Dick remained in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Commander.

The next adventure was Tallahassee at Florida State University Law School’s second class in September 1970, where his interest peaked in Law Enforcement. After graduation he served as a Special Agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as Bureau Chief for the first Florida Crime Labs, and then as Law Enforcement Attorney for two Florida Governors (Governor Reuben Askew, and Governor Bob Graham). Tired of 60-hour work weeks, he moved his family in 1983 to Northwest Florida to work as a Prosecutor for State Attorney Curtis Golden, a man he greatly admired. For 20-plus years he served as State Attorney Office’s (SAO) Executive Director and Advisor to the Grand Juries of the four counties of the First Circuit.

That is what he did, and here is who he was: a volunteer in his communities, churches, and at home. A steadfast friend and mentor. A Christian who lived his faith. He enjoyed lobbying for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys, and when he retired he loved belonging to the Institute of Senior Professionals where he continued to use the skills he had learned in life. All this while he still managed to “produce an amazing middle child” according to his daughter Wende.

Indeed, his greatest joy was his family. He and Donna (Honey) were married for 60 years. Their children are Kristin (Mark) Barrett, Wende (Mike) Gilmore, and Matt. Grandblessings Margaret-Bailey Barrett Schweizer (Jason), Trista Madilynn Barrett, Amelia Anne Barrett, Wesly Michael and Nathan Lamar Gilmore, James Matthew Schoditsch, and Reagan Erwin Schoditsch. Great Grandblessings Wyatt Lee and Finley Louise Schweizer. We are a “GO NOLES” and “ROLL TIDE” family! We will never be the same without him.

Dick was adamant that there be no public service of any kind. “Scatter my ashes in your favorite places. And Honey, do not toss me in a Hurricane wind!” We will do exactly as he requested, a blessed miracle deserving of respect.

Dick was still serving as treasurer of The Children’s Neighborhood (Children in Crisis). He loved it there, it is a lovely place to share our time and treasure. If you feel inclined they can always use your help!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard E. Schoditsch, please visit our floral store.