Richard Evans

In Loving Memory of Richard D. Evans, Jr.

August 27, 1942 - December 4, 2024

Richard D. Evans, Jr., 82, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres, surrounded by loved ones and the compassionate care of hospice staff.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Rick was a proud graduate of Thayer Academy and Northeastern University.

He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, including an 18-month deployment to Morocco during the Vietnam War, before building a successful 30-year career with Gillette in Boston.

Rick was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia "Ginni" Evans, with whom he shared 3 wonderful children.

He later found joy again with his wife, Ruthanne Hiltbrand Evans, enjoying their retirement together in Aiken, SC and Naples, FL.

He is survived by his children, Erica Evans, Kate Yates, and Richard Evans and his wife, Julie along with two beloved grandchildren, Delaney and Reed Yates.

Predeceased by his brother, Bob, Rick also leaves behind his siblings, David Evans and Jeanne Evans McNeil and his cherished cats, Bob and Rusty.

Rick had the natural ability to build and fix anything. He was also a talented gardner and landscaper.

When he retired from Gillette, multiple employees credited him as one of their most trusted mentors.

He was described as an innovator in bringing new technology to Gillette before it was common.

His true passion was restoring classic cars. He completed dozens of restorations over his lifetime, keeping detailed and copious notes going back to his teen years.

He loved being in his pool, especially over the last years of his life.

His children have many fond memories of bike riding, driving lessons, sailing and boating, long car trips from Needham, MA to Naples, FL, family dinners, lots of lobster and oysters.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Legacy Options Funeral Servies on Friday, December 6th in Ft Myers, FL followed by lunch at Ford's Garage (which he loved).