Richard Cervola, 65, of West Melbourne passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2021. He passed away at Holmes Regional Medical Center after suffering a severe stroke. His final hours were spent surrounded by his loved ones and close friends.
Richard was born in August of 1965 in Buffalo, NY to Sam and Josephine Cervola. He grew up with his sister, JoAnn and dog, Skippy. As a child, he was involved in Boy Scouts. As he got older, he began playing all-star baseball which continued throughout his high school years. Richard attended and graduated from Eau Gallie High School. Following high school, he worked for Bank of Melbourne & Trust Company before beginning his long career in retail. Richard began as a stocker at Winn Dixie at the age of 20 and worked his way up to management. He then went on to several management positions with Walmart and Flowers Baking Company. When Richard was in his 20’s he began working with his father to learn carpentry and cabinetry which sparked his passion to work with his hands. He later left retail and began working at Calvary Chapel while he worked to develop his own home improvement and repair business to continue with this passion. In addition, he volunteered his time, skills, and his passion for people to participate in several humanitarian missions to include Mississippi, Haiti, Mexico, and Colombia.
When Richard was 20, he married Cheryl Welder and went on to have two daughters, Amy Camilo and Laurie Carter (Clarence). After he divorced, he reconnected with Susan, who he knew from high school, and in 2004 the two became married. This marriage allowed Richard’s family to grow to include a son, Shaun Knowles (Erin), and a daughter, Jennifer Finnegan (Michael). Richard was blessed to have 11 grandchildren to include Abriana, Rayana, Matthew, Alyssa, Alayna, Kaylee, Declan, Makenna, Mary Katherine, Helen, and James.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Susan Cervola, his sister JoAnn Hogan (David), his children, and his grandchildren. He was predeceased in passing by his father, Sam, mother Josephine, and brother David.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Calvary Chapel Melbourne, 2955 Minton Road
West Melbourne, FL on Monday December 6 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Calvary Chapel Mission fund, the Salvation Army, or the Daily Bread.
