Richard Carle Kermode

Richard Carle Kermode, aged 79, of Terra Ceia Island Florida, passed away on October 23rd, 2024. Born on July 14, 1945, Richard was well known for his kind and generous nature, and a strong and enduring love for his family.

Richard grew up on Anna Maria Island and at a young age developed a passion for boating, fishing, hunting, diving and spearfishing. He graduated from Manatee High School in 1963 and proudly joined the United States Army and subsequently served for 6 years in the Army Reserve. In 1969, Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in building construction from the University of Florida and started a diverse and rewarding career in the marine construction industry.

Throughout his career, Richard managed many unique and complex projects spanning several continents, dozens of countries throughout the Caribbean and Central America, and countless jobs in the southeastern United Sates. He served as the senior project executive for the new seven-mile bridge built in the Florida Keys as part of the Overseas Highway in the early 1980’s, a project that took over 3 years to complete. Richard was the Senior Vice-President selected to lead the complete development of Castaway Key, Disney Cruise Lines private island and lived in the Bahamas from 1998-2002 while this project was completed. His career took him to project locations ranging from the Panama Canal and the US Virgin Islands, to Norfolk Virginia managing large scale projects for the United States Navy.

Richard always contributed his time generously, serving as a member and officer of the Terra Ceia Village Improvement Association and contributed heavily to the development and ongoing preservation of the Seabreeze Park. He also volunteered his time as a member of the Gulf Coast Marine Institute, and he served on the Board of Directors for Mote Marine Laboratory.

Richard leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 54 years, Mary Helen Kermode, son Brett Kermode and wife Laura, son Robin Kermode and wife Kimberly, and daughter Bridgett Dimant. He was the proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Details for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Terra Ceia Village Improvement Association / Seabreeze Park via check at P.O. Box 4, Terra Ceia, FL. 34250 (payable to Terra Ceia VIA) or via Venmo @Kimberly-Kermode