Richard M. Speciale

Richard Michael Speciale, born July 13, 1941, Bronx, NY passed away in his sleep Monday, December 2, 2024 at his home in Springfield, MO. Richard, known to his family and friends as Rick, was preceded in death by his father, Pietro Michael Speciale, mother, Petrina Colletti Speciale and grandson, Milo Keaton Blankenship.
Rick joined the United States Air Force shortly after high school, then spent 4 years in the supply squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Florida. After the Air Force he joined the police department in Scarsdale, NY where he worked as an officer and then detective.
In 1972 he moved his wife and two daughters to Springfield, MO. He soon joined the Springfield Fire Department where he served approximately 7 years. While working as a firefighter he attended Drury University and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. In 1975 his son was born. In the early 80's he joined the Springfield Airport Police and continued on until his retirement in 2007 as an Airport Police Supervisor.
He is survived by his oldest daughter Kay (Tim) McTague, Columbia, MO, middle daughter Lisa (Jon) Blankenship, Forsyth, MO and son Rick P (Kara) Speciale of Shawnee, KS. Also survived by 6 grandchildren, Makaila and Gabby McTague, Cody Blankenship and Savannah (Nick) Lumley, and Payton and Morgan Speciale; the mother of his children, Sammy Speciale-Penland of Springfield, MO and one brand new great grandchild, Nash Neal Lumley.
Rick was an avid deer hunter, gun collector and good friend to Al Lawrenz and John Roetto as well as the Steak 'n Shake staff on South Campbell where he was a most valued customer. He was a lover of all things Family. He was the happiest when he was serving others and keeping busy. Whether it was raking leaves, lifting weights, recycling, exterminating pesky moles in his yard, sharing deer stories, attending family functions, making 3 trips a day to Walmart for cat food for his spoiled cat Oscar, recapping football games with his son or talking about the latest cars he saw in the dealer parking lots. He was kind, generous and loyal. Age was just a number and he was not going to surrender.
While there is no tragedy in the death of an 83 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, we know grief is unavoidable, waiting around unexpected corners.
Services for Rick will be held at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United States Air Force.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to the Alzheimer's Association – Greater MO Chapter, 11433 Olde Cabin Rd., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141 or to the Donations Coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 or at mdc.mo.gov.
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