Richard Samuel DeFino

Richard Samuel DeFino, of Lakeland, died Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center at the age of 83 of complications from lung cancer.

Richard was born in Batavia, New York, on January 21, 1938, to Samuel and Pearl DeFino. Upon graduation from high school he served his country by joining the US Army and spent his tour in Wiesbaden, Germany. After being discharged from the Army, he and a friend came to Florida where he met his wife, Judith. He spent 30 years with Sears as a department manager. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the States and Europe.

Richard was predeceased by his parents and brother, Louis. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: three children and their spouses, Jill and Bret Bartley, Lakeland, Anthony and Leslie DeFino, West Sand Lake, NY, Jonathan and Renee DeFino, Warner Robins, GA; seven grandchildren, Blake and wife Jen Linton, Seth and wife Alexis Linton, Kaelyn and Elise DeFino, Benjamin, Samuel, and Claire DeFino; one great granddaughter, Logan Linton and soon-to-arrive great grandson, Wyatt Linton.

Richard was a Christian man and was a long-time member of Crestview Baptist Church. He was a man of faith and toward the end of his long illness one of his favorite Bible verses was 2 Timothy 4:7-8 which reads: (NLT) "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who look forward to His appearing."

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 3, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hill Burial Park, US. 98 South, Lakeland, Florida. Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, Lakeland, Florida providing funeral arrangements. Lanier.care

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