Richard “Dick” Martin FitzHenry, 79, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on February 4, 1936, to Gertrude Ryan FitzHenry and Richard Horton FitzHenry, in Tenafly, New Jersey. Dick was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War. He attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He worked for many years in Beaumont as a distributor of beverages and later as the owner/operator of various small businesses. During these years he served as President of the Sales and Marketing Association. He was an organizer of the first Taste of Beaumont for the Restaurant Association and spearheaded the original charity golf tournament for Boys’ Haven. He also volunteered civically for St. Anne’s School, YMBL and supported many charitable foundations.
Dick will be remembered as a loyal and generous friend, who was committed to his community and church. He enjoyed his years of bowling league and playing golf, including tournament trips to Colorado. He was a deeply devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved nothing more than spending time with the grandchildren gathered around him.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-four years, Carolyn FitzHenry; son, Richard Stephen FitzHenry of Beaumont and girlfriend, Debbie Glazar Soliz of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughters, Sharon FitzHenry-VanDine and her husband, Jonathan, of Bolton, Connecticut and Barbara Sue Rychlik and her husband, Rod, of Dallas; sister, Maureen Poggi of Boston, Massachusetts; and five grandchildren, Ryan VanDine, Benjamin VanDine, Nicholas VanDine, Rex Rychlik, and Rachel Rychlik. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.
A gathering of Mr. FitzHenry’s family and friends will begin 5:00 p.m., with a time for his family and friends to speak in remembrance at 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral mass will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. A family committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 2350 IH-10E, Beaumont, Texas 77703
