Richard Joseph Lerro, Jr.

Richard Joseph Lerro Jr. was born in Philadelphia, the grandson of Italian immigrants. An only child for the first part of his life, he later became a big brother as a teen, following his parents’ divorce- first to Marc (his father’s son), and later to Sara, his mother’s second child. If Dad shared about his childhood, the biggest thing he expressed was that his family seemed to move every few years: Philadelphia, Houston, California, Miami, and more- making it hard to sustain connections or put down roots. After his family moved once again, Richard landed at Lake Worth High School; a new kid in his senior year- and met Judy Ross… and his life started to come into focus.

Raised Catholic but having questions about the Bible, Richard accepted Judy’s invitation to accompany her to worship at the North Federal Church of Christ. After more intensive study, he was soon baptized into Christ, and his path began to grow ever clearer. After high school, Richard had begun college courses, with an eye toward dentistry. Yet, following a small but joyous wedding ceremony, the newly-weds soon moved to middle Tennessee, where Richard became stationed as an Air Force jet mechanic.

Even as a child, adults often described Richard as standing out from others his age- seeming more quiet, reflective, and perhaps more focused than many kids. He seemed intent on learning all he could in the world, and then following the right path. So it is not surprising when years later, as a young husband and father, that Dad showed himself to be considerably ahead of his time. After completing his Air Force service, and working for Pratt & Whitney back in South Florida, he weighed, prayed, and made the life-choice to leave behind the secure and coveted job as a midnight shift jet engine mechanic; to choose a different, less prestigious career- one that would better enable him to be the involved husband and father that he was intent on being… a job that would have him home on evenings and weekends, so he could spend precious time with their growing family. Richard worked for decades in plastering related crafts. Dad always preferred those occasional projects that required more of an experience and artistic touch, like specialty surfaces, faux brick and stone, and such. He expressed particular enjoyment in working on many of the unique, elaborate and ornate homes and commercial building in the island town of Palm Beach over the years.

Like his mother, Richard was always growing, learning and connecting. Throughout his life, Dad enjoyed a diverse array of activities: fencing, cycling, Taekwondo, archery, and more. An avid aficionado of American military history, Dad (with Mom often by his side) enjoyed being part of local historical battle reenactment groups.

But Richard’s focus was always centered on developing his personal relationship with God- and nurturing their children in the knowledge, wisdom and love of Christ’s teachings. Dad was foremost a disciple- whether at work, home, or anywhere- no matter what others might have thought about it. As a life-long student of the Bible, he was always trying to apply the scriptures in his daily walk. Over the years, Richard served as a deacon, and later an elder at the Tenth Avenue and Suncoast Churches of Christ, helping to design and guide countless programs: Deaf and Hard-of Hearing ministries, the Joy Bus ministry; missionary work in Panama, Costa Rica (where he actually went and worked hands-on), and elsewhere; helping to plan and launch Suncoast Christian Academy (celebrating 25 years this year), and countless others. Being a voracious explorer of the Bible allowed our dad to develop into and outstanding Gospel teacher. Over the decades, countless people have expressed their gratitude for his helping them to open up and enhance their understanding and appreciation of the scriptures; and for enabling them to apply its teachings in real, practical and life-changing ways.

Richard Joseph Lerro, Jr., 81, and Judy Ann (Ross) Lerro, 80, passed away together on November 5, 2022.

Richard graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1959 and Judy in 1960. Shortly after graduation they married on October 22, 1961.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Walpole and his father, Richard Joseph Lerro, Sr. Judy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruth and Walter Ross. They were both preceded in death by their son, Michael Lerro. They are survived by three children: Robert (Cheryl), Stephen (Phyllis) and Julie (Lawrence) Williams, Richard’s sister, Sara Walpole, and brother, Marc Lerro, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Richard retired from his job as a plasterer and Judy as a secretary for the School District of Palm Beach County.

Together they lived their lives built on the principals of Christ. Richard and Judy worked tirelessly throughout the years in mission work and education, teaching many children and adults the gospel.