Joseph Louis Rich

“…One More Race "

Joseph Louis Rich, 49, of Clermont, Florida, passed away on Sunday April 27, 2014. He was born on September 25, 1964 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Fred Rich and Estella Nahmias Rich. Joe graduated from Evans High School in Orlando, Florida “Class of 1983 “, his favorite class was R.O.T.C. After working for a short time with Sea World Joe chose a career path with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and graduated from the Criminal Justice Institute at Mid Florida Tech in 1986. Joe worked in various aspects of police work but finished out his twenty five years of service as a Certified Correctional Officer and Deputy with the Orange County Correctional Division, Booking and Release Center in Orlando, Florida. Joe attended the Congregation Sinai Minneola Synagogue and was interested in travelling to Israel. Joe is survived by his step-parents, Don and Nancy Collins, his sister Michelle Andrews of Harmony, Florida his two nephews, Zak Andrews, of Harmony, Florida and Josh Andrews of Harmony, Florida. He is also survived by his Aunt Edith and Uncle Ronnie, of Indianapolis, Indiana his Aunt Norma of Indianapolis, his Aunt Mona of Wabash, Indiana and his Uncle Joey of Indianapolis and many close friends and racing buddies! Joe’s favorite hobby was drag racing in the super-gas series racing division. He loved to compete down the ¼ mile strip. Joe’s top speed was 163 MPH. Joe was a member of NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) and a member of IHRA (International Hot Rod Association). Joe also loved to travel, read, cook, cruise, and ride his new motorcycle. Joe loved football and was a big Florida State Seminoles fan and Washington Redskins fan. Joe will be especially missed by his family, many dear friends and racing buddies. When asked when he will retire from drag racing, his answer was always the same, “I just want to win one more race! “ A Celebration of Life Service with Honor Guard will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 2:00pm with a Celebration of Life Gathering from 3:00 to 5:00pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida with a graveside service and private burial at Round Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to DRAW at drawfasthelp.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Gotha, Florida is handling arrangements.