Richard Thierry

Richard Thierry was known by family, friends, and colleagues as a deeply loving, tender-hearted, faithful, and generous man whose whole face would light up as you approached him. In addition to his family and faith Richard devoted most of his life to his passions of performing and teaching music. He was the kind of teacher who loved watching his students grow and develop an appreciation for music…insightful with his advice and quick to praise while striving for excellence. As a result, his students and bands consistently won superior and excellent ratings. As a performer, he was sought out to play his trumpet in a variety of local organizations. Richard was born on May 3, 1934, in White Plains, NY to Augustin N. Thierry and Virginia Brechwald Thierry. He graduated from Florida State University with baccalaureate and master's degrees in music education. While at FSU Richard discovered two more enduring passions: the Seminole football experience (performing with the Marching Chiefs band) and Lynn, his beloved wife of 60 years, who was also a music education major. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, attended Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C., and performed with the 8th Army Band while stationed in Seoul, Korea. Richard's 30-year career as a band director in Florida schools included Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Venice. He retired in 1991 from Venice Middle School. In addition to classroom teaching, he was on the staff of the Gatorland Music Camp (University of Florida) and served as judge, clinician, and guest conductor at Festival of Light celebrations in Ft. Myers. He played with the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus band at their Venice winter quarters and had the unique opportunity to form and direct the first band made up of clown students attending the fledgling Clown College, also in Venice. He offered private lessons for trumpeters of all ages in the area. Richard's professional career began as a founding member of the Florida West Coast Symphony Orchestra (now Sarasota Orchestra) while he was still in high school. He served on the staff of the first Sarasota Music Festival, performing with the faculty brass quintet. He also performed with Sarasota Concert Band, Venice Concert Band, Venice Symphony, Venice Symphony Brass Quintet, numerous jazz and big band groups, as well as in solo and ensemble engagements at church services. After retiring from teaching in the public schools he continued to perform and also served as personnel manager for the Venice Symphony for 4 years, volunteered in area schools as a coach for individuals and ensembles, played with the Sailor Circus band, and continued to teach privately. Richard loved cars and would often be seen at local car shows or just checking out the latest models at area dealerships. He was an avid fan of the Venice High School football and baseball teams, attending games whenever possible. Richard was a proud member of the Venice Lions Club where he was particularly interested in participating in the monthly clinics, Peace Poster contest, and programs. He served as second vice president and was honored for perfect attendance and as an anchor member. As long as his health permitted, he was an example of the Lions motto, ""We serve."" Richard attended Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church where he had served as Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Spirit of Love Prayer Group. A family man who truly loved getting together with relatives and close friends, Richard will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Augustin and Virginia Thierry. He is survived by his brother Paul A. Thierry of Cincinnati. He is also survived by his wife of 60 years, Lynn, and their five children: Paul (Linda) of Orlando, David (Pam) of Atlanta, Cindy of Sarasota, John of Venice, and Valerie (Steven) Strenk of Sarasota; eight grandchildren: Jonathan Thierry of Orlando, Kristyn Thierry of Minneapolis, Josalyn Brick of Elk River, MN, Zoe Jones at Towson College, Baltimore, Zack Jones at University of Florida, Gainesville, Bianca (Jairo) Espinel of Columbus, OH, Noah and Liam Strenk of Sarasota; and three great grandchildren: A. J. Nordenstrom and Paislee Brick of Elk River, MN, and Emilia Espinel of Columbus, OH. Services will be held on March 15, 2019, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice beginning with a musical prelude at 9:45 a.m. and then a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Following the mass. there will be a gathering of friends and family for refreshments and a celebration of Richard's life at 11:30 a.m. at Farley Funeral Home, 265 Nokomis Ave. S, Venice, FL 34285. An inurnment ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. on March 18, 2019, at the National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Venice Lions Club Foundation, Inc., 1289 Jacaranda Blvd Venice FL 34292 or Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St. E, Palmetto, FL 34221. Service Information Date: Friday, March 15, 2019 Time: 10:00 am Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church Address: 350 Tampa Ave. W., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, March 18, 2019 Time: 11:00 am Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map