Richard Lee Spaulding

Richard Lee Spaulding, 82, Dover, FL, passed away on July 1, 2021 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by parents, LaVern and Wilda (Tucker) Spaulding and wife, Joyce (Szpara) Spaulding. He is survived by son, Richard L. Spaulding, Jr. (Cheryl) of Exeter, RI, daughter, Sonya Johnston of Eldred, PA, stepson, Anthony Szpara of East Haven, CT, brothers, Don (Debi), Indianola, IA, Galen (Brooke), Key Largo, FL, sister, Linda (Jim) Leary, Omaha, NE, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Richard was born on September 11, 1938 to LaVern and Wilda Spaulding in Concordia, KS. He attended Phillipsburg, KS schools and graduated from Lincoln High School, Lincoln, NE, in 1956.

Richard enlisted in the Navy in 1957 and his career spanned 30 years. He worked in Aviation as a Parachute Rigger initially and with Life Support Equipment in many supervisory positions. Richard attended numerous Naval schools including the Army’s Sergeants Major Academy. While he was in the Navy he also earned an Associate Degree in Business and a Bachelors in Education, with emphasis in Curriculum Development/Training. In 1995 Richard earned a Dual Masters in Aeronautical Science, Operations and Management.

Richard was a member of the Navy Parachute Team, The Chuting Stars. He served on the USS Independence and was attached to the Squadrons VX-6, VX/VXE-6 on Antarctica and VXE-6. In 1986 Richard retired as Command Master Chief and had collected many military awards throughout his career.

After retiring from the Navy Richard worked as the Quality Control/Safety Manager/Helicopter Maintenance Supervisor and Logistics Manager for Aircraft Support Equipment at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division at Lakehurst, NJ.

Richard was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason at Harmony Lodge #18 in Toms River, NJ in 1972. After moving to Spring Hill, FL he petitioned Hernando Lodge #97 in Brooksville, FL and became a dual member.

Richard was voted to the Oriental Guide post at the Tampa Egypt Center in 2010. He participated in many events for the cause of the Shriners Hospital for Children. Richard was installed as the Potentate in 2014.

Richard was always helping others: Past President of the Hernando County Shrine Club, past Commander of the American Legion Post 186, Past President of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 124, Hernando County Veterans Service Office volunteer, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners, Hernando County Tourism, Development Department and the American Legion Children and Youth, JROTC programs, Board of Directors of the Ole Antarctic Explorers and as a consultant to the Parachute Riggers Association.

Richard belonged to the following organizations: U. S. Navy Memorial, Navy League, Lone Sailor, Fleet Reserve, Plank Owner, International Chief Petty Officers(CPO), Tampa Bay CPO, Old Antarctica Explorers, Domain of Puckered Penguin, U.S. Navy Seabees, National Assoc. for Uniformed Services, American Legion, FL County Veteran Service Officers, FL Honorary Sheriffs, Good Sam Club, Gold Wing Road Riders, various Shriner Units and Antarctica Circle Club.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Richard’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.