Richard leaves behind Doris, his wife of 66 years, his son, Richard J Westerfield , his daughter Denise Wegerif, daughter RaeAnne Vancata (d. 2001), eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many close friends.
Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Richard was the third son of Royal and Bertha Westerfield and is survived by his brother Royal Westerfield.
In his early years, Richard would help at the family restaurant. After marrying Doris Terpening, the love of his life, he worked in the printing industry skillfully learning and managing all aspects of each company he worked for, ultimately starting his own successful business, New Horizon Printing, allowing him and Doris to enjoy retirement at at 55.
Richard was a zealous volunteer firemen for the Martinsville Fire department in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey until a career move in 1975 brought the family to South Florida.
After retirement Richard and Doris moved to Merritt Island, Florida. Long a faithful man of Christ, adept at all manner of business, and heavily impacted by the early death of their daughter, Richard became greatly instrumental in building The House Of Hope ( a mission of First Baptist Church, MI, FL) into one of largest food pantries in the state of Florida.
Richard (PAPA) actively loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed going to their baseball and football games and proudly attended the never ending stream of birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings.
Richard’s memorial service was held April 1st 2023 at First Baptist Church Merritt Island Florida and was attended by many family and friends who paid loving homage to the patriarch and community servant that he was. Children and grandchildren, with tears and joyful remembrances, recalled Papa’s zeal and creativity. The service, appropriately concluded with a rendition of Onward Christian Soldiers, Richard’s favorite hymn.
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