Richard Carmine Mistretta, Sr.

Richard Carmine Mistretta,100, passed away Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 in Collierville TN. He was born in New York City, NY on January 31,1916 to proud, hard working Italian immigrants Carmello and Josephine Mistretta. He was married for 70 years to his loving and devoted wife Dolores (Wells), who preceded him in death on September 12, 2014. He served in the US Army with distinction during WWII both in France and England.

He is a member of the Greatest Generation, as was Dolores who served in the Women's Army Corp (WAC), who gave their all and then came home to build the country we love. Dick met his future wife while both serving at Fort Dix, and on January 1,1944 they were married. Dick and Dolores lived for thirty-five years on Long Island NY, in Valley Stream. For all those years he worked tirelessly for Gristede Bros. in New York City as a food service and store manager. He devoted himself to raising their two children, Richard Jr. and Patti, surrounding them with love and security and installing in them, by his example, a strong commitment to God, family and community. His sacrifice for and support of his family are enduring examples of a committed husband and father whose love was unconditional. In 1980, Dick and Dolores moved to Fort Myers, FL into the Seven Lakes Golf and Tennis Community, for a well deserved thirty-four year retirement. He was an active member of the community. He loved to play golf (had 4 1/2 holes in one, explaining the 1/2 he said it was not witnessed so might not count), was a member of numerous committees, called bingo, and was a volunteer driver at local hospitals. Together, with Dolores as navigator, they traveled extensively, many times spontaneously and often visited family and friends, where their warm smiles, cheerfulness, and love were always welcome.

He was a kind and generous man, ready with a smile and a hug, and stories of growing up in a large Italian immigrant family in New York. He is survived by his sister Frances, his two children, Richard C. (Rochelle) Mistretta Jr and Patricia (Dr George Gumann), his four grand-children Kristen (Jacob Wilson), Andrew (Kara Mistretta), Cydney and Stephen Gumann, and his six great grand-children Jacob, Alexander and Matthew (Wilson), Jude, Joss and Reese (Mistretta). He joins his brothers Joseph and George, sisters Lucille, Mildred, Joan, Anna, and Annette, in heaven.

As a tribute perhaps it is best said by his grandson Andrew,

"We lost a great man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Veteran and friend. He lived a life he was proud of and he said he had no regrets. They were two of a kind, Grandpa and Grandma, and now they are together again." And we are left to follow his example and honor their memory.

A Celebration of Life honoring him, followed by a VFW military burial service, is planned for June 20, 2016 in Fort Myers at the Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.