Richard "Dick" Joseph Pea

After 78 years of love, laughter, and incredible memories, Richard “Dick” Joseph Pea passed away on January 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a true blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, devotion, and quiet strength.

Best friend and loving husband to Patricia “Patty” Pea and father to three daughters, Cheryl O’Neill (Jim), Trisha Gorgol (Rob), and Lora Pea (fiancé Trey Anderson), Dick lived a life filled with kindness and unwavering love for his family. He is survived by two brothers, Dexter (Marilyn) and John; sisters-in-law Rhea Pea and Debbie Pea; and four grandchildren, Kyla Pea, Lillian “Lily” and Shayna Gorgol, and Brayden O’Neill. Preceding Dick in death are his parents, Arnold and Elizabeth “Betty” Pea and his brothers, Daniel “Danny” and William “Bill”.

On February 7, 1946, Dick was born in Vincennes, Indiana. He grew up in southern Indiana, where he was the oldest of 5 boys. He spent most of his childhood outdoors-- hunting, fishing, and rough housing with his brothers. From a young age, Dick was a hard worker, helping at his uncle’s farm. After graduating from North Knox High School in 1964 where he was the class president, he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served four years, completing tours in Thailand and Vietnam. Following his military service, Dick worked on the railroad and then later pursued his education, graduating in 1974 from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, followed by two Master’s degrees from the University of Florida.

In 1974, while interviewing for a job at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in Orlando, Florida, Dick met Patty, who was working as the secretary that brought him through the facility to his interview. He accepted the job, moved to Orlando, and soon began courting Patty. Their love flourished, and they were married on April 19, 1975.

Dick took great pride in his career and quickly found professional success. In 1977, he was recruited by Harris, an engineering firm in Melbourne, Florida, which relocated Dick and Patty, along with their young and growing family, from Orlando to Satellite Beach, Florida. They made Satellite Beach their home, raising their three daughters there from 1977 to 1999. Dick found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. When not traveling for work, he loved spending time outdoors on the water swimming, boating, and fishing or cooking with his family; his specialty being the most amazing omelets and burnt chicken on Sunday night dinners.

In 1999, Dick’s career took the family to Alpharetta, Georgia, where he became VP of Pinkerton. After four years in the Atlanta area, Dick and Patty relocated to Tampa, Florida, in 2003 when Dick was offered a position as VP at Trak Microwave whereas he subsequently became the president/CEO, which was acquired by Smith during his tenure. He officially retired from his accomplished 38-year career in 2011. His career offered him the incredible opportunity to travel to almost every continent, creating a lasting impact on aerospace technology, where he was immersed in a variety of cultures and unique experiences. Dick always returned from his travels with thoughtful gifts, trinkets, and perfumes for his girls.

Dick’s love for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren was evident in every word, action, and smile. A quiet and gentle man, his great sense of humor would emerge when least expected. He was kindhearted, loyal, intelligent, proud, and as those closest to him would agree, slightly hardheaded—a trait that only added to his charm.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, at Blunt & Currey Funeral Home, located at 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, FL 33635, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a military tribute at 5:00 p.m. On Tuesday, January 28, at 11:00 a.m., a funeral mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church located at 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, Florida 33558.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Richard J. Pea to support research and raise awareness for this condition. Donations can be made online at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/DickPea or mailed to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611.