Richard A. “Dick” McGauran, 94, of Largo, FL, died peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2012 with family by his side after being injured in a fall near his home.
Dick was born in Evanston, Illinois February 6th, 1918. As a triplet, he and his siblings were not expected to survive and they were placed together in a box while the doctor assisted with their mother. The Chicago Tribune carried a story the next day titled “Three More Irish to Fight the Kaiser.”
Dick married Patricia May Weinstock in 1940. In 1942, he left to serve as a medic in WWII. After his return, he worked for many years with his father-in-law at the Winnetka Coal and Lumber Yard. He also purchased a family-owned convenience store. In 1966, he joined GTE eventually transferring from the Chicago area to Florida.
Dick was a man whose greatest joy was to be with his family. He loved every family celebration. He had a gift for entertaining everyone with his humorous stories. He loved life and lived a full one.
Dick is preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Erickson, brother Charles “Chuck” McGauran and sister Jean Douglas. Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Pat; two sons, Richard McGauran, Jr. (Judy) and Dennis McGauran (Melanie); daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Guthrie (Martin) and son-in-law Matthew Erickson. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd at The Chapel on the Hill UCC, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
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