Richard Homer Ellsworth

OKEECHOBEE - Richard Ellsworth, LCDR (Ret.), age 67, of Okeechobee, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. He was born Sept. 1, 1944, in Gloversville, N.Y., to Homer and Amy Loucks Ellsworth. He joined the United States Navy on August 29, 1964. He completed "A" School and Nuclear Power Training where he was sent to his first command the diesel submarine the USS Cubera (SS 347) where he earned his dolphins. He served aboard the US Falgot (DER 324) during the Viet Nam War. Throughout his military career he was looked upon for his extensive knowledge of not only the Nuclear Power Plant operation but also his knowledge of overall submarine operation. He worked with Admiral Rickover during the construction of the S8G Prototype in New York. His love for the military was only surpassed by his love for his family which he will carry with him. After his retirement from the US Navy he went to work for Florida Power & Light as a Quality Assurance Engineer, he retired from FP&L after 15 years. At FP&L he would travel around the country ensuring that components used in the operation of the St. Lucie Power Plant were maintained properly. After working with FP&L he worked with Marco Migliaro developing testing procedures to ensure the operation of items developed by Vector Electronics functions as described. He came to Okeechobee from Port St. Lucie in 2004. He was a member of the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church; the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge No. 237; Amara Shrine Center; Past Patron of the Okeechobee Chapter No. 128, OES; and was the first Base Commander of the Henry Breault Memorial Treasure Coast Base, United States Submarine Veterans. Mr. Ellsworth was preceded in death by his mother, Amy Ellsworth; first wife, Sandra Ellsworth; and sister, Amy Aline Ellsworth. He is survived by his wife of twelve years, Jerry Ellsworth of Okeechobee; father, Homer Ellsworth of Northville, N.Y.; children, Stephanie Morgan (David) of Port St. Lucie, William Ellsworth (Samantha) of Greensburg, Pa., Wendy Bennett of Hernando Beach, Fla., Robin Cabrera (Robert) of Safety Harbor, Fla., and Jennifer LaFontaine (David) of Purcellville, Va.; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Ronald Ellsworth (Sue) of Rochester, N.Y., Sue Trembly (Jack) of Hilton, N.Y., and Karen Bogusz (Gary) of Broadalbin, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 17, 2012, from 10 a.m. until service time of noon in the Buxton Funeral Home Chapel, 110 NE 5th Street, Okeechobee. Services will begin at noon with the Order of the Eastern Star and Masonic services, followed by a traditional service with Rev. Loy D. Mershimer, pastor of the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, officiating. Military services will follow. In memory of Richard Ellsworth, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, Attention Development. All arrangements are entrusted to the loving care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory, 110 NE 5th Street, Okeechobee, Florida (863) 763-1994. On-line condolences may be made at www.Buxtonfuneralhome.com.