Richard Mendez, 71, passed away July 13 at Advent Hospital in Orlando FL. Rick was born in West Virginia and moved to Altamonte, Florida at the age 11. He graduated, in 1967, from Lyman High School in Longwood, FL, where he was known for being an enthusiastic saxophone player in multiple bands. He then joined the Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War.

Richard raised a family, with his wife, Katrina, in Sanford FL., where he worked many positions in the construction industry and owned a horse farm. Then moved to Colorado Springs and Castle Rock, CO where he served the town as Chef Building Official. He retired to SC and then to the beaches in FL. He enjoyed life and had many hobbies, such as, water skiing, snow skiing, restoring antique cars, home improvement projects and cooking family recipes. Rick loved life, enjoyed people, held his family close and embraced his Christian faith.

Richard is survived by his wife of 42 years, his children and grandchildren, his father and sister. He had many names; Rick, Dicky, Husband, Dad, Friend and most affectionately, Pepaw. Rick will be interred at a later date at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery, in Colorado Springs, CO, with full Military Honors. His Facebook page will remain open and managed by his family as a living memorial. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/richard.mendez.90475069 to pay homage to Richard Mendez