Richard Everett Simpkins

Richard was born on January 14, 1943 to Marjorie and Herbert Simpkins of Onieda, NY.

Richard enlisted in the US Navy on June 29, 1961 serving our country for 20 years. On November 19,, 1966 he boarded the USS Enterprise for his first tour of duty in Vietnam servicing as a Medical Corpman. He returned to the US on July 6, 1967, then back to Vietnam aboard USS Repose on December 21, 1967. Returned home on leave in July 1968 for the birth of his daughter Robin, then back aboard the USS Repost until returning from Vietnam on February 7, 1969. In October of 1969 he was stationed at NMMC Bethesda Naval Hospital for the most of his remining career. He did a brief tour in May 1979 at Naval Regional Medical in Charleston, SC. , returning to Bethesda to the University of Health Sciences (USUHA) on January 18, 1980. On August 31st, 1981 he retired to Fleet Reserve for a period of 10 years.

He was very proud of his service and always sported a Navay Corpman Cap. He wrote in his journal, at his retirement, “Sometimes I thought this day was never coming, but now it is here and I have bittersweet feelings. The end of a special life style, the shipmates, and the excitement of never knowing for sure where or when or what was next for me. I hope I somehow contributed to Safe Seas.”

He was the best, loving father who enjoyed taking his children boating, crabbing, fishing and camping in Solomons Island. He also enjoyed hunting and visiting family in Morgantown, WV.

He was an avid boater, hunter, and fisherman.

After retirement he relocated to sunny Hudson, FL to enjoy boating and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

He loved and was proud of his family; and enjoyed spending time with them.

He has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. World’s Best Dad! World’s Best Granddad! His legacy is one of honor and love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie & Herbert Simpkins, brother Timothy, and infant sister, as well as bonus daughter, Melissa McDonald.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Dell and their Fur Baby, Sophie of Hudson, FL.

His sister, Sue Endemann and her husband, John of Chittenango, NY. Nephew, Kirk Endemann of Orland, FL.

Daughter, Charlene (Sherri) Franzoi and husband, Eric of Cape Coral, FL. Daughter, Robin Simpkins of Cape Coral, FL. Son, Richard (Brice) Simpkins of Pasadena, MD, Bonus Daughter, Denise Anderson of Annapolis, and Bonus Son Jimmy McDonald and wife, Nikki of Huntingtown, MD.

Grandchildren: Robert Wilt Jr & wife Lindsey, Ryan Simpkins and wife Alexandria, Colin Simpkins, Caitlin Brewer, Jesse Cain, Michael Brewer, Allison Simpkins, Rylie McDonald and Sullivan McDonald.

Great Grandchildren: Isla Grace, Waylon James, Cora Adeline, and Elena Noelle.

Military Honor Guard Memorial Service will be held at Coral Ridge Cemetery in Cape Coral, Florida on Saturday, July 16th at 11:00 AM.

His ashes are interred with his family at Valley View Cemetery, Sherrill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Freedom Service Dogs of America (https://freedomservicedogs.org/donatefsd) or Operation Second Chance (https://operationsecondchance.org/donate-now) Both of these 4 Star Plus organizations offer support to Military Personnel and Dogs – Both passions of our father.