Richard F Reidy

A dedicated husband, son, brother, uncle, public servant, and community leader, Richard (Rich) Francis Reidy, 68, passed away on November 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of God and of his family.

Born on July 29, 1957, in Jersey City, NJ, Rich was the son of the late Francis (Frank) and Joan (Wladyka) Reidy and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Donna (Boylan) Reidy; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Ralph Murray; his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Janice Reidy; and nieces and nephews Daniel Murray, Bryan and Jessica Murray, Erin Reidy, Andrew Reidy, Leslie Bryant, and Jason Bryant, as well as many extended family members and friends. Rich is also predeceased by his dear sister, Judith Reidy.

Rich was a man who valued knowledge. After graduating from Hudson Catholic High School, NJ, he continued his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Movement & Exercise Science from William Paterson University, NJ, and went on to study Sports Physiology at Ohio University, Ohio. Ever striving to better himself and serve his community effectively, Rich returned to school in 2007 to earn a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the University of South Florida.

As a man of many talents and passions, Rich explored several careers over his lifetime—from Fitness Trainer to Insurance Sales and Public Relations. In 1996, after working as a Manager in Printing, Rich made a life decision to step out of that role and join his then-boss and friend, Joe Schwartz, and moved to Florida to become a partner in opening a new AlphaGraphics location in Tampa. But as anyone who knows Rich can tell you, he was not one to let grass grow under him. He was always looking for the right fit, a place where he could be of value and make the greatest contribution and impact. In 2002, he found it… his career, his calling... public service. Rich entered local government as a Legislative Aide to the Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, where he worked closely with the Chairman for 11 years. He then had the honor, for five years, to serve at the Florida Senate as Chief Legislative Assistant and Chief Aide to Florida Senator Jack Latvala. In 2018, Rich returned to Hillsborough County as Senior Legislative Aide to Commissioner Ken Hagan, where he worked tirelessly for the betterment of those in his county and the state of Florida. Rich was a humble community leader, known for his integrity and an inspiration to many. He was intensely passionate about helping people and fought for those who often could not fight for themselves.

Among his many initiatives, Rich led the charge years ago, to protect children from sexual predators. Hillsborough County became the first county in the state to adopt an internet safety program in all its libraries, and he carried that work forward to the state level. He helped champion legislation that was eventually approved statewide, Chapter 2009-194, House Bill 115. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2009/115

Commissioner Hagan often described Rich as "a true public servant and a consummate professional. He always put the work and the people he served above himself. Rich was brilliant".

Beyond his government role, Rich was always ready to offer help or advice or simply be a good listener to those who reached out to him within the county. He put in the sweat equity to support his community and the causes that were close to his heart.

He was a member of the Board of Advisors for One More Child/Hope Street, helping the youth of the community, and a member of the Board of Directors for Quantum Leap Farm, which provides programs for adults and children with physical and neurological disorders, as well as for wounded warriors.

Rich & Donna loved to volunteer their time and muscle giving back to the community. He worked tirelessly with Alpha House of Tampa helping homeless pregnant women and mothers with young children, by cooking and serving holiday meals or painting and decorating for bedroom makeovers…helping to bring joy and comfort to the residents, and for the last 15 years, with the hard work and support of his wife, Donna, Rich cooked, delivered, and served a Super Bowl Feast to the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 41 to thank the men and women for their dedication to the community. It was a labor of love and brought a smile to his heart.

When Rich had some downtime, you could find him and Donna kayaking, fishing, building floating rafts for the turtles and birds in their backyard, or gardening. He loved cultivating unusual or exotic plants, even in the Florida heat, and had a passion for creating butterfly gardens everywhere he called home. Rich was also an avid sports fan whose enthusiasm ranged from the NCAA Final Four tournament and the Super Bowl to cheering for his Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Lightning—much to the amusement of his family back in Jersey.

As much as Rich supported his community, nurtured his garden, and enjoyed his sports, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with Donna and the dogs they rescued over the years—McKenzie, Smooch, Tug, and Missy—as well as being surrounded by his family and friends.

He will be thought of often and loved always.

A Celebration of Life for Richard Reidy will be held, December 20, 2025, at Idlewild Baptist Church (in Worship Center) 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz, FL 33548. Viewing: 10am followed by Service: 11am

*A Celebration will also be held in New Jersey at a later date

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: One More Child, an organization close to Rich's heart. https://onemorechild.org/give/