Richard William Votapka

RICHARD WILLIAM VOTAPKA Richard William Votapka, age
91, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born in New York City near Gracie Mansion on December 11, 1921. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and attended the College of the City of New York majoring in architecture. Richard left college to serve in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He served aboard the destroyer escort, U.S.S. Hurst of which he was a plank member. From August 1943 to July 1945, he was on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. In July 1945, Richard entered the Reserve Officers Training Course at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy until he was honorably discharged from the service in September 1945 following the end of World War II. Richard entered the Nassau County, Long Island, New York Police Department as a Patrolman in October 1946 and retired 25 years later in January 1972 as a Deputy Inspector. He and his wife, Pauline, moved from Oceanside, New York to Ft. Lauderdale following his retirement and later moved to Vero Beach in 1979 living here for almost 34 years. He was a past president of the Vero Beach Anglers Club and past member of the Vero Beach Power Squadron. Richard was an avid golfer, boater, fisherman, woodworker, woodcarver, and reader. He was of the Roman Catholic faith for many years. Richard is survived by his wife, Pauline, of 66 years; one son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Linda Votapka; three grandsons - Kenneth (Shawn), Kevin (Amelia), Keith; one granddaughter, Katy; and two great grandchildren, Ella and Scotty. A memorial service will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery, a veteran's cemetery, located in Lake Worth, Florida. The service will be held on Wednesday, November 27 , 2013 at 1:15 p.m. Arrangements are by Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida.