Richard Bruce Regen

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Bruce Regen on January 25, 2025. Richard, "Dick" or "Dickie" as he was known to his friends and family, was born on August 28, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York (or 1937 if you're the Marine Corps recruiter he was talking to He was the beloved son of Murray and Diana, and cherished but pesky younger brother to his older sister, Florence "Cookie", and protective older brother to Arthur, the baby of the family, who died tragically in an automobile accident at age 21. During his youth, the family moved to Miami, Florida, where Richard completed junior high and high school (well, most of it anyway). In an act of youthful determination, Richard lied about his age to join the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. After serving his country with honor for 8 years, Richard transitioned to a dedicated career in law enforcement as a Miami-Dade police officer, receiving multiple commendations for his service and even earning a sharp-shooter status. During his tenure with the Department, Richard met several notable people, such as Fats Domino and Liza Minelli, the latter of which had been issued a traffic ticket by Dad, giving rise to the famous family phrase "She coulda' been your mother!". I can still see Mom rolling her eyes 1962 brought the birth of son Corey Alan, and just a few years later, fate brought Richard to an apartment complex near the Miami airport where "all the stewardesses lived". We're pretty sure he dated every stewardess in the building before he met Jeanne, including her roommate, at least that's how the story's always been told. But however it happened, Richard's charm, humor, and quick wit won Jeanne's heart. They were married on February 7, 1969. Mindy Beth (Milliet) was born in 1977 and Casey Nicole (Freeman) was born in 1983. Richard and Jeanne were married for 52 years before Jeanne passed in 2021, setting the ultimate example of love for their family and all who knew them. Richard leaves behind four grandsons – three sons from Corey; Jesse Jacques (34), Mitchell Bruce (32), and Tyler Etienne (30); whom he enjoyed passing along his grandfatherly wisdom to and always happily awaited the latest school photos and art projects. He has one grandson from Casey, Gavin Regen (5), whom he adored and delighted to watch grow and learn. He was such a proud Papa! Richard has two sons by marriage, Scott Milliet (Mindy) and Timothy Freeman (Casey). He and Scott traded endless Marines vs. Navy jokes, and no one could get Dad to laugh more than Scott. Sometimes laughter really was the best medicine. Thank you, Scott, for the love and care you showed Dad. You were a son to him in the truest sense. And Tim's gentle presence was always a calming force when we needed it. You have been a blessing to Dad in many ways, and we are so grateful. More than anything, Richard left this world knowing his girls were loved by amazing, strong men and that was all he ever wanted for them. Richard's professional life was marked by an extraordinary 40+ year career in the automotive industry, where he sold nearly every car brand ever made. His dedication, charisma, and integrity made him a respected figure in the field and a trusted advisor to countless customers. Richard's legacy is that of heartfelt dedication to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his strength, his thoughtfulness, his practical jokes, his deep love for his wife and children, his pride for his daughters, and his passion for life. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly. His memory will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The family kindly requests donations in lieu of flowers to be made to one of the following charities that Richard proudly supported: • Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ • Fraternal Order of Police https://fop.net/donate/ • Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout The family will be hosting a Celebration of Richard's Life at 1pm on Sunday, February 2 at the residence of his daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Scott Milliet, in Lakeland Tennessee. All are welcome. Please contact the family for questions and details.