Richard S. Masters passed away Thursday morning, Dec. 22, 2016. Richard was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School and the University of Florida. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he was employed as a chemical engineer in Fernandina Beach. He married Suzanne Hall at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina on Oct. 27, 1962. He was reminded at his 80th birthday party that it was the best decision he ever made, and he wholeheartedly agreed. In 1967 they moved to Paris, Tenn., with their two daughters, Stephanie and Shannon, and lived there nine years before moving to Chicago in 1976. While in Chicago, he owned and operated Chicago Manifold, a rubber roller manufacturing business. In addition to working hard, Richard was a man who loved spending time with family on the beach in Fernandina. He enjoyed hiking, biking and snow skiing adventures with family and friends. He also enjoyed planning trips and traveling with his wife, Suzanne. Richard liked to enjoy the beach with his family and was most happy when he could boogie board, play bocce ball, walk or bike on the beach.
Richard was a generous man who wanted to make his own impact on the world. He traveled to Haiti, where he worked to improve drinking water. Additionally, in Ethiopia, he helped build schools. He was an active parish member at St. Michael Catholic Church.
He is survived by his brother, George; his wife, Suzanne; cousin, Bill Krechowski; two daughters, Stephanie Corbett and Shannon Straughn; and four grandchildren, Ian and Owen Corbett, and Sarah and Megan Straughn. He will be dearly missed by family and friends who knew and loved him.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday morning, Dec. 27, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Richard Perko, celebrant. His family received family and friends at Oxley-Heard Tuesday morning before the service.
Richard Masters was laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery.
Please share his Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors