Richard Stilp (August 22, 1952 - January 27, 2024)

In loving memory of
Richard Stilp
  • August 22, 1952
  • -
  • January 27, 2024

  • Obituary
  • Sign Tribute Wall
  • Send an E-Card
  • Light a Candle
  • Send Flowers
  • Photos

Obituary

Richard H. Stilp, 71, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, peacefully at his home in Oviedo, Florida.

Richard was born on August 22, 1952, in Neenah, WI.

Richard Harold Stilp what can I say a firefighter’s fireman, an instructor, mentor, and a true friend to many. He just wasn’t a firefighter he lived it and embraced it. He loved the fire brotherhood and embodied this in all he did.

Rick started his journey into the fire service in the mid 70s and ended his career as fire chief. Every position from firefighter paramedic, engineer, lieutenant, district chief, and fire chief he embraced the position and strived to learn his next challenge with pride and zeal. He also ensured that the people around him understood this pride. His enthusiasm was infectious.

No matter where he went he attracted firefighters, no matter who he was talking to he spoke about the fire department. No matter when in his professional life he had an opportunity to recruit, he would.

His fire service career included many projects and many different aspects of the fire department from being a paramedic ( and a fine good one) to a rescue diver, high angle rescuer to hazmat tech and hazmat medic. He developed dive rescue programs, EMS bicycle patrol (one of the first in the country) and along with an associate firefighter, the first Hazmat Medic Program in the country.

He was once told that he was a renaissance man that his work is ahead of its time.

Rick was one that loved to teach, and with that was the desire to learn as well. Although having difficulty learning in his early years he overcame this with a tenacious desire to learn a new skill and the knowledge that would follow.

He was never shy to give a helping hand and mentor at all levels, individuals that he saw promise and interest never giving a negative impression always positive.

On the state level involved with the training of firefighters, served many years as the Director of Central Florida Fire Academy along with involvement with the local planning council and the Emergency Response Commission. Writing, developing and teaching specialized topics to emergency responders across the state. Hazardous materials awareness, operations, fentanyl response, chemical suicide response and hydration to name a few and one of many to institute the Florida Hazmat Symposium.

On the national level, technical consultant to the National Fire Academy for the Advanced Hazmat Life Support Program, and  member of the National Fire Protection Association Hazmat Standards Group.

We are not sure how many people Rick mentored over the years but it has to be in the several hundred.

His work is present in many articles and books that have been published over the years, which will continue to influence the future generations of responders.

Richard, the son of a sailor, enjoyed being on the water boating with his family, traveling with the love of his life, working with his son on cars and spending quality time with his sister and brother. Some of his favorite things were watching the sunset, good bourbon, and sharing stories.   

Richard is survived by his wife, “His Sweetie” Anna, their children, Julie Stilp Harahan (Jerry), Kelly Stilp Campbell (Jude), Jake Stilp (Erin), stepchildren, Rachel van Olffen  (Sam) and Becca Bassoo, grandchildren, Rebecca, Christopher, Taylor, Tyler, Trey, Eli, Olivia, Noah and Iris, great-grandchildren, Jacob and Bruce. His sister, Pauli Uricchio (Joe), brother, Jeff Stilp (Lisa) and sister-in-law, Ruanne Deal (Kenneth) and many friends. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Margaret Stilp.

A memorial service for Richard will be held 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 25, 2024, at The Orlando Fire Department Union Hall (4005 North Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32804)


Send flowers to the family to show you care. Order Now

Tribute Wall

Leave a reply



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Tom Daniels lit a candle:
    26 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 26, 2024 at 2:40:16 PM

  2. Tom Daniels says:
    26 Feb 2024
    As has been the case for years, the hair on the back of my neck stands up every time a train pulling tanker cars rolls through Orlando. Thanks for that, Rick! You were a good friend, a mentor, and the first FF/PM nurse to work in West Orange Memorial Hospital’s ER. We all learned a tremendous amount from you. Peace and condolences to all who loved you.

  3. Debbie Oliver lit a candle:
    25 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 25, 2024 at 2:32:23 PM

  4. Bob King says:
    21 Feb 2024
    A man among men; a mentor and a fire service leader to many; and an otstanding instructor. God Speed to one and all.

  5. Bob King lit a candle:
    21 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 21, 2024 at 2:36:09 PM

  6. Barb Kohl lit a candle:
    19 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 19, 2024 at 2:35:36 PM

  7. Kane Miller lit a candle:
    18 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 18, 2024 at 2:12:07 PM

  8. Larry Johnson lit a candle:
    17 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 17, 2024 at 2:57:47 AM

  9. Ray Chaney lit a candle:
    16 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 16, 2024 at 2:57:45 AM

  10. Ray Chaney says:
    16 Feb 2024
    Rick was a treasure to the community and to his many friends. He was certainly a great example of what a professional Firefighter should be. I hadn't seen Rick in several years until about a year ago when he came up to me and threw his arm around my shoulder and with his big smile ask how I was doing. He was a genuinely caring person and one to be admired.
    A filmed documentary of his life would have been great TV material. R-1 with Rick Stilp and partner Donnie Adams starring!
    You may rest in peace; you lived your life well.

  11. Doug & Kelly McClain lit a candle:
    14 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 14, 2024 at 2:26:12 AM

  12. Ron Carroll says:
    09 Feb 2024
    I met Rick in Junior High School during the summer of 1964, we were paperboys selling papers downtown,. It’s was a friendship that spanned 58 remarkable years, filled with memories, laughter, and perhaps a few wild adventures. A bond that was a testament of the enduring power of friendship.

    To his many friends, Rick will continue to live on through the stories that were created—the daring escapades, the camaraderie, etc . While grief weighs heavy, it’s heartwarming to know that we can celebrate His life, knowing him as a friend, mentor, teacher, coworker, etc... His impact will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As long as we hold our memories, I'm sure his spirit will continue to inspire warmth and connection among those who were fortunate to call him a friend.

    Rest Easy my Friend.......

  13. Ron Carroll lit a candle:
    09 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 9, 2024 at 2:13:58 AM

  14. Mark and Donna lit a candle:
    08 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 8, 2024 at 2:43:21 PM

  15. Ruanne Deal lit a candle:
    07 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 7, 2024 at 2:28:11 PM

  16. Joe Silvestris lit a candle:
    07 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 7, 2024 at 2:36:07 AM

  17. Mark Casey lit a candle:
    06 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 6, 2024 at 2:07:18 PM

  18. Joe Landreville says:
    06 Feb 2024
    I first met Rick during the early 1990s during Haz Mat training. He was a true gentleman and an amazing source of knowledge. I pray for peace for his family and friends.

  19. Joe Landreville lit a candle:
    06 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 6, 2024 at 2:24:16 AM

  20. Jon Kipp lit a candle:
    05 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 5, 2024 at 2:29:53 PM

  21. Jon Kipp lit a candle:
    05 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 5, 2024 at 2:27:51 PM

  22. Shay & Jaleesa : Send love and prayers to the Stilp Family ♡ lit a candle:
    05 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 5, 2024 at 2:40:03 AM

  23. Chad Williamson lit a candle:
    04 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 4, 2024 at 2:09:15 PM

  24. Aimee Hoop lit a candle:
    04 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 4, 2024 at 2:04:03 PM

  25. Catherine Gibbins lit a candle:
    04 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 4, 2024 at 2:02:49 PM

  26. Tami Hull lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 3, 2024 at 2:05:10 PM

  27. Jim Reynolds says:
    03 Feb 2024
    Jim Reynolds, Rick was an amazing co worker and friend. He left a mark on the fire service that changed it forever. He will be missed but not forgotten.

  28. Jim Reynolds lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 3, 2024 at 2:18:54 PM

  29. Donna Hedrick lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 3, 2024 at 2:01:11 PM

  30. Candace MUENZNER lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 3, 2024 at 2:13:43 PM

  31. Keith Maddox says:
    03 Feb 2024
    Rick was not only a mentor and a leader but also a friend. He was my Lieutenant at old Station 1 for many years and I enjoyed them all. Some of the best times of my life. RIP brother fireman....

  32. DANIEL Rivenbark lit a candle:
    03 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 3, 2024 at 2:51:16 AM

  33. Mark Austin lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:56:45 PM

  34. Steve Rickey lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:52:14 PM

  35. Randy Madison lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:15:54 PM

  36. Virginia Lovett Moughan lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:45:04 PM

  37. Virginia Lovett Moughan lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:43:30 PM

  38. Alicia & Mike lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:20:18 PM

  39. Dave Bledsoe lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:05:32 PM

  40. Roger Henderson lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:00:26 PM

  41. Joe Cirillo says:
    02 Feb 2024
    Rick was the epitome of what a good firefighter should strive to be. He was a professional and courageous firefighter. Rick was a born leader, and a team player who exhibited compassion and empathy. He presented his problem solving and communication skills with his easy-going jovial demeanor. R.I.P. brother Firefighter.
    Joe Cee “The Pride of Parramore”

  42. J J Alexander lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:21:34 AM

  43. J J Alexander says:
    02 Feb 2024
    Rest in Peace BrotherJJ

  44. Leo Wright lit a candle:
    02 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 2, 2024 at 2:49:32 AM

  45. Paul A Skinner says:
    02 Feb 2024
    Rick was a super-achiever, lending his considerable talents to anything that made the fire service more professional. His friendly way with others, and his keen intellect were huge assets to any group he joined, or started. RIP good man.

  46. arthur zackery says:
    02 Feb 2024
    Chief Stilp was an outstanding representative of the Fire Service and all aspects related to the Fire Department. He stood out amongst men when it came to representing anything related to being first responder and his commitment was flawless. Job well done thy good and faithful servant.

  47. Judith Hoskinson Royce says:
    01 Feb 2024
    I had known Rick since I was 15. He was a friend, former brother-in-law and father to my two beautiful nieces Julie and Kelly and grandfather/great grandfather to my great nieces/nephews.
    He was more than what has been described, he was a great artist and went to the Art Institute in Chicago.
    RIP friend

  48. valerie harris lit a candle:
    01 Feb 2024
    Lit since February 1, 2024 at 2:27:15 PM

  49. valerie harris says:
    01 Feb 2024
    You are missed but never forgotten.

  50. Valerie Harris says:
    01 Feb 2024
    You are missed but never forgotten. Your laughter, kindness and soul will be apart of each of us. Save me a seat in heaven. I'll see you soon.

Send an E-Card

Please select an e-card

    Required fields are marked *
     

    Note: The code below resets with every submit of the form
    captcha