Richard Amedee Chazal, 96, of Ocala, Florida passed away on July 7, 2021 at Advent Health of Ocala. He was born April 22, 1925, the son of the late Charles and Hester Chazal. Richard (Dick) was an Ocala native who served his country in the United States Navy in WWII. He graduated from the University of Florida, class of 1948. In 1951 Richard married his wife, Marjorie, and together the two shared 65 years of a strong, faith-centered, and joyful marriage prior to her passing in 2016.
A lifetime member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, he enjoyed serving in many ways including Parish Council, lector, and Eucharistic minister. He was part of the Cursillo movement and actively involved in Kairos Prison Ministry. Well-regarded as a local business man, he worked in the insurance industry for almost four decades until retiring from Chazal-Blair Insurance (formerly Dick Chazal Insurance Agency) in 1992. Past president of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, he was instrumental in revising the content of the state licensing exams which in turn altered the curriculum for statewide university business and insurance majors.
Chazal loved his community and dedicated himself to serving in countless arenas. He served as president of United Appeal which later became United Way. He was active for several terms on the Ocala library board through the years of modernization, leading to two new libraries. Dick was on the board of directors of Munroe Regional Medical Center (now Advent Ocala) as well as the Munroe Regional Medical Center Foundation. Other civic contributions: co- founder and Emeritus member of Appleton Museum of Art, Past President of Kiwanis Club, and active involvement with Central Florida College as both CFJC and CFCC. Chazal’s civic duties also included serving on the Board of Directors of Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan, Munroe and Chambliss Bank, and Barnett Bank.
He is survived by his children, Dr. Richard A. Chazal, Jr. (wife Linda); Charles P. Chazal, III (wife Mary); Helen Chazal Leibee (husband Rick); seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-seven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; parents Charles P. Chazal and Hester Dewey Chazal;Â three sisters Mary (Keenan), Jeanne, Hester (Polly Mundee); and a grandson Nathanael Leibee.
Dick lived his final years surrounded by family, friends, and his wonderful Windsor of Ocala community. Words cannot adequately express the impact Dick Chazal had on countless lives. He was a beacon of joy and encouragement to all he met, and will be greatly missed.
Burial for Dick has taken place. His family looks forward to seeing extended family members and friends at a memorial Mass at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church at a later date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marion County Hospice or Brother’s Keepers.