Richard Evans

Richard Evans, of Wilton Manors, FL, age 44, born January 10, 1972. He left us much too soon on March 31, 2016. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by all of his family. His spirit has been released from his ailing body and is now exploring the universe. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 23 years, Luisa, who cared for him so lovingly and unselfishly through his 16 month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, and his 3 beautiful children: Cole 18, Macie 16 and Susan 26. Additionally, he is survived by his mother, Beatrice Nieds; father Richard T. Evans, stepmother Deborah Evans, sister Pamela Evans Wynne and her husband John Wynne, stepbrother Michael Williams and his wife Michele, stepsister Sara Block, mother-in-law Virginia Mennella, sister-in-law Angela DeSanto and her husband Anthony DeSanto, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rick was part of large loving family too big to mention here, all of whom saw Rick as the go-to-guy whenever advice or information was needed on just about any subject...from computers to politics and everything in between. His help and wisdom will be sorely missed by all of us.

Rick was an avid diver and physical fitness buff. Cole and Rick used to regularly dive off the coast of Ft. Lauderdale. This led to Cole's pursuit of spearfishing and free-diving as he grew older. Ricks athletic nature also led to Macie's love of volleyball which continues today as she pursues the sport through high school and hopefully into college. After his initial brain surgery, he began chemo and radiation. During this time, he continued his daily running and work schedule for almost one year. This was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Rick was born in Atlanta, GA, but grew up in South Florida where he attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs grade school. This is where he first met his future wife, Luisa. They continued to St Thomas Aquinas High School together, where Rick lettered in Football and Wrestling. His education continued at University of South Florida in Tampa majoring in Civil Engineering. Rick began his work career with Ryan Companies as a surveyor/estimator, and moved to Smith and Co. as a project manager. This led to the creation of Optimum Services, Inc., an earthwork firm that he and his partner successfully owned and operated for 15 years.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful friends who provided such loving and caring support during Rick's time of need. A special thank you to Bryant and Kathleen Smallwood for their continual support in so many ways, as well as Virginia Mennella, Luisa's mother, who thought of Rick as her son. She provided so many wonderful Italian meals that Rick loved so much. We also would also like to thank Catholic Hospice, and especially Fanny Folgueras, for their compassionate care and assistance to Rick and the rest of the family as Rick's battle with this disease neared the end.

Calling hours will be from 4pm to 8pm at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 N. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale on Monday, April 4. A memorial service will begin at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.