David P Rich
November 28, 1946 ~ July 17, 2025
David “Dave” Paul Rich, 78, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on July 17, 2025 surrounded by loving family.
David was born on November 28, 1946, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the son of Parents’ Nelson James Rich and Theodora Johanna (Schaffer) Rich.
David graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1965, then went on to Oshkosh State University, earning a degree in Business Administration.
David married Shirley Mae Stark on June 15,1968 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. David and Shirley were married for 57 years and high school sweethearts. They went on to have two children, Christopher Jason Rich of Jacksonville, Florida and Heather Nicole Rich of Atlanta, Georgia.
Over the years, David worked for food service companies, being most proud of working with Oscar Meyer for 25 years of his career. It was there that he and Shirley built lifelong family friends.
For many years, David enjoyed golfing, reading and stamp collecting. For over 10 years he was actively involved in his Homeowner’s Association where he served in many roles including President. David and Shirley have been very thankful for their supportive neighborhood community.
Remaining to cherish David’s memory are wife Shirley Rich; son Christopher Rich and daughter in law, Laurie Menefee Rich; daughter Heather Nicole Rich and son in law Robbin Erik Cooper; (4) grandchildren, Clay (13), Lucy (11), Aubrey (11) and Marissa (5); brother Thomas Michael Rich and sister-in-law Jacqueline Fogel Rich of Gardnerville, Nevada; sister-in-law, Doris Ann Werner of West Bend, Wisconsin and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Kathleen Rich Wheeler and Lori Rich Ginn, both of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and Jacob Nelson Rich of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The family wishes to thank all of the physicians, nurses and healthcare providers that took great care of him over the years including Baptist South, M.D. Anderson, Cancer Specialists of North Florida and Community Hospice.
For information on the celebration of life, please contact Christopher Rich and Heather Rich.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in David’s name may be directed to K9 for Warriors at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/k9sforwarriorscommunityfundraisers/account/2066669 and Community Hospice https://thefoundationcares.org/give/
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sending love and hugs to your entire family!! My family is so happy he was surrounded by you all in his final moments and felt the love you all shared.
We are so honored to have gotten to know Dave. We pray that God give each of you comfort during this very difficult time. As believers in Christ and eternal salvation, we know we all get to see Dave again in Heaven. We will truly miss you Dave.