Richard John Rentz

Richard John 'Dick' Rentz, of Ormond Beach, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the age of 91. Richard was born February 7, 1932 in Royal Oak, Michigan to John Rentz and Anna Rozanka and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1953 to 1956 in the Asian theater as a Radio Operator onboard the U.S.S. Ernest G. Small, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the China Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge, Richard embarked upon a career with the Central Intelligence Agency as a Communications Officer. His work led him to various postings around the world, to include Cyprus, Germany, Taiwan, Turkey, Philippines, India, and Australia. He finished out his career in Virginia and retired in 1991 after 34 years of faithful service, whereupon he was recognized with the CIA Honorable Service award.

Richard was a devout Catholic and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed amateur (ham) radio and gardening and always shared his infectious sense of humor. Richard, affectionately known as "Dickie" by his family and friends, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Theresa Ann, his four children, Michael (Anita) Rentz, Anne Marie (Tony) Dowdy, Richard (Elena) Rentz, and Robert (Stephanie) Rentz, and six grandchildren, Stephanie, Katherine, Caroline, Lucas, Richard, and Marina. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 89 St. Mary’s Place, Bunnell, Florida, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Rentz family.