Richard Melvin Stern

Richard was born April 4, 1948, in Frankfort, Indiana, to Melvin & Helen Stern, the youngest of three children. His family moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1958 due to his mother’s health. He went through the Mesa public schools, graduating from Westwood High in 1966.

His family was active at First Baptist Church in Mesa, where he met Sherry Brown (he was 10 and she was 8). They started dating in July of 1968 and were married on February 14, 1969. Richard was drafted into the Army that same month and served for two years, including 10 months in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, their first child, Stephanie, was born in May 1970. Their son, Marc, came along four years later, in February 1974.

After returning from Vietnam, he attended Mesa Community College where he took general classes as well as interior design courses. He had a gift for interior design and loved working with furniture and accessories. He was employed at Barrow’s Furniture (Phoenix & Tucson) for 16 years, followed by Annabell’s Attic and InJoy Thrift Stores here in Tucson. He retired in January 2017, due to his health.

Richard accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at the age of 10, and rededicated his life to the Lord in July of 1977. His trust in Christ was strong to the end.

Richard loved his family and always enjoyed talking to and listening to friends. He was a great listener. He felt privileged to be a part of the Stephen Ministry at Christ Community Church where he used his listening gift. He also treasured his time with the Men of Mercy.

He is predeceased by his parents, Mel & Helen Stern. He is survived by Sherry, his wife of 48 years; daughter Stephanie (Joe) Bratton of Tucson; son Marc (Claire) Stern of Tempe; grandchildren Cody & Rory Bratton, and Rosie & Timothy Stern; and step-grandson, Stephen Bratton; sister Beverly James of La Mesa, CA; brother Bob Stern of Wenona, NJ; several nieces & nephews and extended family members. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 11:00am at Christ Community Church, 530 S. Pantano Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Christ Community Church, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or Academy for Cancer Wellness.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.