Richard Frederick Brereton

Lt. Col. Richard Frederick Brereton, age 52, passed away in his home in Las Vegas, NV on January 31, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 5, 1967 in Fort Benning, GA, Richard spent a majority of his childhood in Greensboro, NC before attending Purdue University. There he participated in the ROTC program and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering degree in 1989.

Richard was a decorated United States Military pilot, with a career that spanned two branches (Navy and Air Force), multiple states (Florida, Texas, Virginia, New Mexico, Nevada), and multiple planes (A-6E Intruder, F/A-18C Hornet, F-117/A Stealth Fighter Jet, MQ-1B/9 Predator). In 2003, he was deployed to Qatar to be a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to a military career, Richard flew as a commercial pilot for US Airways and American Airlines, and eventually earned the rank of Captain. Richard loved to fly, and his family is extremely proud of his service for our country.

When he was not working, Richard loved to spend time with his family, golf, snowboard, and camp. He was a smart, funny, hard-working, and strong man, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife, Michelle; his three daughters, Stephanie, Caroline, and Charlotte; his mother, Carol; and his five siblings Catherine, Thomas Joseph II, Deborah, Barbara, and Elizabeth. Richard is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Joseph; his sister-in-law, Anita; his father-in-law, Ralph; and the family’s beloved Black Labrador, Bo. It brings the family peace and comfort knowing that Richard is finally whole and resting in the arms of Jesus Christ in Heaven.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM on Monday, February 3, 2020 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Las Vegas, NV, followed by mass at 11 AM. On February 7, 2020, a mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, NC will proceed his burial at Westminster Gardens Cemetery and Crematory, which is where his father and sister-in-law were laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the Brereton family is requesting that donations be made to Camp Kesem at Grand Valley State University, a national non-profit organization that supports children through and beyond a parent’s cancer. Caroline and Charlotte have played a pivotal role in establishing the Camp Kesem chapter at GVSU, and the organization’s mission is important to the Brereton family. The link to donate is here: https://donate.kesem.org/fundraiser/2478171

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 31