Richard Robert Hamilton Jr.

“Don’t ever become a pessimist….a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.” -Robert A. Heinlein 

Richard Robert Hamilton Jr. of New Port Richey, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, November 18.  He was born on July 21st, 1946 in New London, Connecticut. After serving 3 years in the army, Richard studied political science at both the University of Connecticut and the Florida State University while working part-time as a hotel night clerk. He quickly became skilled in all aspects of the hospitality industry and spent most of his career as General Manager of various properties, ranging from intimate boutique Inns to full-service destination resorts in multiple locations along the east coast. Richard remained an avid reader his entire life, particularly enjoying political nonfiction and the science fiction works of his favorite author, Robert Heinlein. He loved music and the satire of Firesign Theater and Tom Lehrer. He found peace in sailing and the ocean. Richard enjoyed his work and was honored to be a veteran; however, his most cherished roles were that of husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and favorite uncle. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard R. Hamilton and Madeline Moll Hamilton. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Mary-Dawn (Benson) Hamilton and leaves his daughter, Heather Sullivan and her husband Chris of Matthews, NC, his son Ian Hamilton of New Port Richey, FL, his two brothers, Jon Hamilton of PA and Robert Hamilton of CT, two grandchildren, and 22 nieces and nephews. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on November 30th at 11:00AM, at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home in New Port Richey. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire Tampa General Hospital transplant team for their exemplary care, as well as HPH Hospice. In lieu of flowers, Richard asked that memorial donations be made to Feed My Starving Children, fmsc.org.