Obituary
Richard “Rick” Thomas Lord, Jr., age 68, of Ocala, FL passed away suddenly on February 4th, 2023. Rick was born on April 4, 1954 to his parents, Richard and Isabel Lord, in Forest Hills, NY. He was a Navy veteran, a former Marion County Volunteer Fire Fighter, a City of Ocala Fleet Foreman, and a trucker driver. He enjoyed fishing, collecting & shooting his guns, and riding his Harleys. His family and friends will always remember him as a caring, devoted, and supportive man. He will be dearly missed.
Rick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen; brother, Matt Lord; sisters, Emily Varnon, Kelly Vandruff; his mother, Isabel Lord; sons, Richard III, Christopher; grandsons, Thomas, Peyton, & Nicholas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Richard; and one brother, Michael.
The family would like to thank the first responders, Legacy Donor Services, the staff at HCA- Ocala (formerly Ocala Regional Medical Center) for their care & kindness to us; our funeral director, Sahar Gleaves for all the help, guidance & kindness in what has been such a sad & emotional time for us; and all of our extended family & friends (too numerous to name individually) who have helped us in dealing with this tremendous loss. God Bless all of you.
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.
I will never forget our many days riding the bikes, eating many meals together, and also the friendship and love you showed me. I will miss you so much my brother. Ride free, where you never get stuck in a downpour, and it is always sunny.
Karen,
We are so glad Marty and I were able to get together with you guys on our honeymoon, I never would have dreamed that would be our last time to see Rick. My heart hurts so much knowing the pain and loss you are feeling sissy and being so far away. I wish I could be there in person to help in any way you needed, but please know I am there in spirit, hugging you ❤️.
I’m so deeply saddened by this tremendous loss. Your best friend for 50 plus years.
I was 5 when we came to live at granpa’s, you and Uncle Rick were dating, he had left for the Navy. It was apparent then to my young soul that you had found love.
My heartfelt love to my cousins Ricky and Christopher, I too had a real man as a father. Showing you how to love a woman, mother and gorgeous person that he has chosen in your mom.
A favorite memory, Aunt Karen and Uncle Rick pulling into my parents “camp” in a purple Camaro, smiling and bringing so much love those couple days after driving over 1000 miles !!
I love you all and am mourning this loss with you although far away ❤️
You and Uncle Rick were together when we lived at grandpa’s, I was 5 years old, felt the love you had for him 52 years ago.
The two of you always and forever. I’m so very sad you’ve lost the love of your life.
He was gentle, kind, loving, quiet and observing, dry sense of humor like my dad. I always felt the love between you.
A favorite memory is you and him coming to visit my parents at the lake, in your purple Camaro ❤️
My heartfelt love and prayers to the whole family. Cousins Rick and Christopher, a tremendous loss of a truly great father. He was a beautiful example of how to treat a wife, mother and best friend.
John