It is with great sadness that the family of Richard John Cody announces his passing. He was called home to be with his heavenly Father on June,16, 2024 while a patient at Advent Health Ocala.

Richard was born in Boston Massachusetts, June 27, 1947, and as a small child was cared for in a Catholic Orphanage in Prince Edward Island Canada, before being adopted into the family of Henry and Ruth Cody, who raised him as their own in San Diago California. His wonderful mother Ruth taught him to surf, which led to many years of enjoyment for him surfing the waves of California.

Richard served his country as a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army and trained many young soldiers going directly into the front lines of Vietnam.

All his life, Richard felt a calling to do what he could to help Veterans. He too, suffered from PTSD and was treated by Dr. Edie Egar and the heroes of Veterans Village of San Diago. As part of his commitment to the programs of VVSD he returned there after his treatment ,to help other Veterans and volunteered in many positions, up to and including being the Chairman of the Board of Directors of VVSD. He proudly served in this position from 1991to 2001. Richard received a prestigious Congressional Proclamation for his service presented to him by Congresswoman Susan Davis, upon his retirement from VVSD.

Throughout his life Richard had never lost his passion for helping others, especially the homeless. He was President Emeritus of The Refuge of Jumper Creek, current member of the of Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, which was a position he held for several years. He was also a current mentor and advisor to His House for Her, and the Refuge of Hope for Independent Living.

He loved his church family and served as Head Usher of the 9:30 AM Mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He took great pleasure in involving the small children of the church in his duties as an usher.

Richard loved to golf. He enjoyed the game and the companionship of all his friends at the Preserve Golf Club, and Oliver's restaurant, in the community of Spruce Creek Preserve where he lived.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shelby, his children, Adam Miramon (John), Alita Flannery, and Mathew Cody (Kathy). Stepchildren, Angela (Michael)and Jay (Lauri). Grandchildren Mychaela, Michael, Tyler, Braden, Chase, Skyla, Arianna, Mateo, and Merik. His sisters, Theresa Greenhalgh (Darren), Crystal Cody, Alita Alexander ,Angelic Cody, and his brother

Wilde Bill Cody. He was predeceased by parents Henry and Ruth Cody, brothers Henry Cody II, , Wayne Cody, and his sister Carolyn Chesky. He was loved and will be missed by many nieces and nephews, many close friends, especially Brian and Vashti Nugent and family.

Services will be a funeral Mass held on July 12, 2024,beginning at 8:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Father Patrick J. O'Doherty. His ashes will be placed in the garden of the church following the mass. A light lunch will follow at Noon in the Spruce Creek Preserve Community center for the family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish, would make a donation in Richards honor, to the charities that he served.