Dr. Richard D. Brighi, 85, of Greeley, passed away Friday, September 14, 2018 at his home. He was born on September 28, 1932 to Italian Immigrants Frank and Norma (Casady) Brighi in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Richard graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1951. He excelled in both academics and athletics and earned a scholarship to play football at Ft. Dodge Junior College.
Richard briefly attended Ft. Dodge Junior College and served one year in the Iowa National Guard. In 1952 he joined the Navy and spent one season on the US Navy’s wrestling team. In 1954 he was assigned to the Destroyer USS Fechteler DDR 870 as a Sonarman 2nd Class and set out to see the world. He proudly served out his military service and in 1956 Richard returned to Ft. Dodge, and again attended Ft. Dodge Junior College where he earned a 2-year College Degree and met the love of his life Mary Sue Schumacher. Richard and Mary Sue married on June 14th 1958, had four children, and spent 60 wonderful years together.
Encouraged by his older brother, Richard began studying at Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated in 1962 and moved his family to Greeley to help open the Greeley Chiropractic Center with his brother Dr. Louis J. Brighi. Dr. Richard was active in the Chiropractic community attending many seminars and training sessions and was an integral part of making the Greeley Chiropractic Center one of the most successful Chiropractic Practices in Northern Colorado. In August 2002 Dr. Richard retired and sold his practice to Dr. Jason and Dr. Kristy Campbell, however, he continued to practice with the Campbell’s on a consulting basis 3 days a week. Dr. Richard officially retired in 2015 after practicing Chiropractic Medicine for over 50 years.
Dr. Richard was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor, Colorado, and throughout his career was active in the Kiwanis Club, Sertoma Club, Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Greeley Elks Club, American Legion and a past member of the Greeley Country Club.
After retiring from his practice, Dr. Richard enjoyed time with his family and enjoyed traveling to many countries.
Dr. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Brighi of Greeley; daughter, Pam Watson (Steve) of Littleton; son, Thomas (Stacie) of Cypress, Texas, 11 grandchildren, Sarah Keane (James) of Houston, Texas, Brittany Fadeyi (Abi) of Aurora, Colorado, Elizabeth Brighi of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Travis Brighi of Greeley, Colorado, Steve Watson Jr. of Lone Tree, Colorado, Rachel Watson of Lone Tree, Colorado, Taylor Brighi (Eberly) of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Jared Brighi of Spring, Texas, Michael Brighi of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Richard E. Brighi of New York, New York and Gianna Brighi of Cypress Texas; 7 great grandchildren, a twin brother, Robert Brighi (Darlene) of Marion, Iowa; sister-in-law, Polly Brighi (Louis) of Greeley; and a loving extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons; Frank (Tony) A. Brighi and Robert (Bob) L. Brighi, brother Dr. Louis J. Brighi, and sister Juanita Swink.
The family cordially invites you to attend a Rosary at 10:30 am followed by a Mass at 11:00 am Friday, September 21, 2018 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1250 7th Street, Windsor, Colorado, to celebrate Dr. Richard’s life. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Weld County Humane Society, or Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church’s building fund.
