Richard C. Sposato

1941 - 2025

Richard C. Sposato

August 28, 1941 - March 27, 2025

Richard Charles Sposato was born on August 28, 1941, as the first child of Vince and Betty Sposato. He was the eldest in what became a family of twelve siblings: Richard, Jimmy, Betty Jeanne, Mary Anne, Michael (deceased), Nancy, Donna, Tina, Angie, Stephanie, Joe, and Tony (deceased).

With his wife of sixty years, Elizabeth Ann Sposato (deceased), Richard carried on his family tradition of robust procreation, eventually raising 11 children of his own - Anne, John, Matthew, Richard, Nora, Roberta, Martha, Christina, Geraldine, Rebecca, and Zachary. Later, Richard and Elizabeth reunited with Joanne, whom they had placed in adoption many years before. Thus equalling his parent's impressive record. Although Richard's offspring did not accept his reproduction challenge, they, nonetheless, produced 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Richard met Elizabeth while attending medical school at St. Louis University, where they had their first set of children. After medical training, he began his career in Charleston, SC, as a Neurologist for the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and adding to their family. Upon returning to civilian life and relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska, he practiced Neurology for several decades and rounded out the family with their last two children. He cared deeply for his patients, almost equaling his dedication to the old Volkswagens he kept running well beyond their life expectancy.

In addition to his family and profession, Richard's life was also shaped by his Italian heritage, which he credited with this stubbornness, and the Catholic Church, whose teachings he accepted completely and loyally. He faithfully attended Mass every Sunday at St. Michael's until he later transitioned into parish life at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, taking his son John to Mass every Saturday evening. He also found time for volunteer service with the Larsen Tractor Museum and later at the Lincoln City Mission's Free Medical Clinic.

Richard was intellectually curious and a lifelong learner. He briefly attended the University of Nebraska, jumpstarting his interest in finance and investing, an endeavor he pursued until his final days. He was an avid reader and a student of history and languages. His children will be quite busy donating and divvying up his extensive library. At various times, Richard also followed interests in tractors, sailing, shooting, genealogy, economics, martial arts, gardening, and politics.

In the final year of his life, following the sorrowful loss of his wife, Richard found solace in a new companion, Regina. With her, he embraced the joys of travels, companionship, and a cherished friendship that brought light to his days.

The greatest gifts he and Elizabeth passed along to their children were the value of education and an emphasis on hard work, fairness, decency, frugality, self-sufficiency, providence, curiosity, and community service.

A rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Cathedral of the Risen Christ. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at 2 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the church. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln 68510.

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