Rick Teele

Rick was a devoted husband to his wife of 51 years, Cathy Teele, and a loving father to his daughter, Nicki Bell, and son-in-law, Bob Bell. His greatest joy came from being ‘Popi’ to his beloved granddaughters, Macie and Norah Bell, who were truly the light of his life. Rick also leaves behind his loyal companion, Cooper, his miniature dachshund and constant shadow for many years. He is also survived by his brother, Jack Teele (Melinda), as well as several nieces and nephews. Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Lillian Teele, and his sister, Jean James.

Rick was born on April 10, 1951, in Belle Glade, Florida. He spent his childhood ranching alongside his father in the Everglades. In his younger years, Rick excelled at baseball and attended St. Leo University on a baseball scholarship. He spent many years in banking, serving as a longtime Vice President and Branch Manager. Rick took great pride in his career and was widely respected for his steady leadership, integrity, and the genuine relationships he built with coworkers and customers alike. Later in life, his favorite hobbies included golfing and fishing, where he found peace and contentment outdoors.

Rick will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man of quiet strength and kindness who appreciated life’s simple moments.

A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2026 at Merritt Funeral Home (2 South Lemon Avenue, Brooksville, Florida), where a Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s memory to the Fixel Institute at the University of Florida to help advance Parkinson’s disease research: https://fixel.ufhealth.org/giving/philanthropy/