Richard R. Ketchum

Richard Robert Ketchum, 54, died suddenly in the early hours of Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Bayfront Health Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River. Rich was born into this life on February 3, 1964 in Bethpage, NY. He was the son of Richard Eugene and Marie Sadie (D’Esposito) Ketchum. Rich grew up in Massapequa, Long Island, NY and was a graduate of Hofstra University. While living in New York, he worked at Macy's and was a balloon handler in several Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades. He decided to move to Florida almost 30 years ago after his parents moved. Rich met his future wife Linda when he moved to Florida and started working for Mid-State Federal Savings Bank in Ocala. He most recently was employed for the last 10 years with Technology Solutions Group as a Software Engineer - Web Developer with The Villages. Prior to that he worked for the Citrus County Sheriffs Office for 13 years. Rich was an active member of the North Oak Baptist Church in Citrus Springs where he faithfully served as an Usher and was also very involved with the children’s ministries. He enjoyed technology, music, animals; especially his two dogs, the NY Mets and the Smoky Mountains. Let us rejoice as we know  Rich is born into eternal life and has arrived home with his Heavenly Father. As we mourn the absence of Rich’s physical presence among us, let us never forget the wonderful memories and love he shared with us that will continue to be around us.

He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Linda Ketchum, Citrus Springs; his daughter, Kristin Stewart(Shannon), Citrus Springs; his grandson, Tyler Stewart and his Parents, Richard and Marie Ketchum of Lecanto.

A Celebration of Life will be held on  Friday, January 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the North Oak Baptist Church: 9324 N. Elkcam Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34433. A Memorial gathering will be held one hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Richard's memory to the American Heart Association.

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