Ronald Rich

To all who knew him, Ron was a kind-hearted optimist. Ron was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on October 6, 1939. He grew up on Tulane Avenue in University City in the loving home of his parents Max and Rose Rich. He attended University City High School, class of 1957. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Army Reserves where he was assigned to the Medical Corps. Ron was awarded a full Wrestling scholarship to the University of Missouri where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1961.

While attending Mizzou, he was introduced to the love of his life, Linda Lapides. Ron and Linda married on February 11, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Ron was the proud and loving father of son, Bret, and daughter, Whitney.

After his graduation from Mizzou and military service, Ron honed his entrepreneurial skills when he became the President and Owner of Overland Dairy Supermarket Chain spending countless hours every day ensuring the success of his business.

As a community leader, Ron took great pleasure in using his influence to mentor children in various sports but he especially loved ice hockey where he coached many teams, sponsored even more and played with several adult league teams. His son, Bret, fondly remembers the time when Ron sponsored a multi-state youth ice hockey tournament where the players specifically thanked Ronald Rich in the program by stating “Thank you to Ron Rich, the man who bought me my first hockey uniform.” Ron had a heart of gold.

Additionally, Ron was a great contributor to the Saint Louis community serving in various leadership roles. Specifically, he was the former Campaign Director of Jewish Federation, Chairman of United Jewish Appeal, Chairman of the Regional Arts Commission, President of the Board of Israel Bonds, Chairman of Camp Sabra, and Former Board Member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

In 2006, he and Linda moved from Saint Louis to southeastern Florida where they both semi-retired while enjoying a busy social life and the mild Florida winters. Ron was the former President of the Toscana HOA in Highland Beach, Florida where he continued to be a community leader while trying his hand at several entrepreneurial opportunities.

Above all, Ron cherished his family: his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren who called him Papa.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Max and Rose Rich and his sister Linda James.

He is survived by his wife Linda Rich, his son Bret Rich and daughter-in-law Michelle Sabin, daughter Whitney Keller and son-in-law Lathrop Keller, grandchildren Leland Keller, Hayden Keller, Logan Keller, Quin Rich and Adam Rich, sisters Geraldine Sandler and Myra Snell, a brother, his dog Havana and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donation to St. Jude or Stray Rescue of St. Louis.