Richard John Stier

Dick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Michigan State University Oakland (now Oakland University), proudly becoming part of the first graduating class in the school’s history.

Dick and his wife, Barbara, were high school sweethearts and were married in 1962, sharing more than six decades of love and partnership.

After graduating, Dick voluntarily entered the military as a commissioned officer in 1962 and completed U.S. Marine Corps Basic School in 1963. He served one tour in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1966. Dick was deeply proud of his service to his country and lived by the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout his life.

Following his military service, Dick and Barbara moved to Clearwater, Florida, where they began a new chapter in the real estate and construction industries. Dick built a long and successful career in construction, design, and homebuilding. He began as a salesman with Arthur Rutenberg Homes on Florida’s West Coast and later became an award-winning Division President with U.S. Home in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. After many years, he returned to Arthur Rutenberg Homes as a franchise owner in Lake Mary, where Barbara joined him as a salesperson.

In 1998, pursuing his passion for custom homebuilding and original design, Dick founded American Home Corporation. Working alongside his daughter, Andrea, and son, Scott, he designed, built, or remodeled hundreds of homes throughout Central Florida over the next 28 years. Known for his attention to detail, integrity, and care, Dick’s dedication to his craft earned him not only repeat clients but lifelong friendships.

Despite his professional accomplishments, family was always the center of Dick’s life. He loved joking and teasing his children and grandchildren and cherished long family days filled with pinochle and croquet. He was committed to instilling strong values and good manners in every generation. If any of his grandchildren had a sporting event, Dick and Barbara were sure to be in the stands, cheering them on.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen Stier, and his sister, Margie Ulbrich. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his children, Eric (Amy) Stier, Andrea (Mark) Cochran, and Scott (Kathy) Stier; his grandchildren, Alix Miller, Nick (Amber) Miller, Keegan Stier, Soren Stier, Olivia (Kyle) Clements, and Ryan Stier; his step-grandchildren, Ayrton Ciancimino, Griffin Ciancimino, Olivia Ciancimino, and Roman Ciancimino; and his brother, David (Jean) Stier of Chehalis, Washington.

Dick had a remarkable way of connecting with others and made a point to stay in touch. He will be lovingly remembered by friends, neighbors, colleagues, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Please join us in celebrating his life.