Ronald David Riche passed in blessed peace in his home on April 15, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Preceded in rest by his parents, Cedric and Sylvia Riche, he was surrounded by his wife of forty-two years, Suzanne Riche, whom he described as the love of his life; his first son, Daniel Riche, and his wife, Krista; his second son, Andrew Riche, and his wife, Emily; his third son, David Riche; and his only daughter, Rebecca Frank, and her husband, Erik. He is also survived by two brothers: Kenneth Riche and Rene Riche; three sisters: Cheryl Riche-Pierre, Mary Riche, and Elaine Riche-Starnes; two uncles, one aunt, and several in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces. His legacy will continue through his dearly beloved grandchildren: Karson Riche, Hannah Lee Riche, Sarah Beth Riche, Elijah Frank, and Cecilia Frank.
A lifelong New Orleanian, Ron graduated from Jesuit High School, just as his father did before him and his sons did after. A valiant soul, he served his country in the Vietnam War. A devoted husband, he married his wife at the Jackson Barracks on April 24, 1976. A loving father, he and his wife raised four children in Arabi, Louisiana, where he survived the devastation of St. Bernard Parish by Hurricane Katrina. He later resettled in Denham Springs, near Baton Rouge. A firm believer in education with a passion for chemistry and history, he helped each of his children graduate from college. He worked as a chemical sales consultant, visiting sugar cane fields throughout his life. Family and friends remember him as a strong, steady, and independent spirit, with memorable stories too numerous to share here. To the end, he embodied serenity, courage, and wisdom, the three virtues named in his favorite prayer.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, April 20, 2018, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at 9:00 AM. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA.
To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com
