Obituary of Richard Verrette

Dr. Richard "Rick" Michael Verrette, 57, was delivered from his earthly bonds on February 26, 2013. He was a dear husband, father, son and brother. He is preceded in death by his brother, T.J. Verrette and grandparents. He leaves to treasure his memory, his wife of 34 years, Mary McClelland Verrette; sons, John and Mark; parents, Eugene and Margaret Verrette of Battle Creek, MI; sister, Deb DeLuca of Aurora, CO and many faithful friends. Rick received an appointment to Annapolis, but ultimately chose to study mechanical engineering at Michigan State University. After two years in the field with Amoco Oil in Chicago, IL, he went on to pursue his true desire to study dentistry at Northwestern University School of Dentistry. Before beginning his private practice of 25 years, he completed a one year residency with the University of Florida. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry for eighteen years. He was a Boy Scout leader and committee member and joined the troop with his son, Mark, on their three-week hike in Philmont, New Mexico. Rick enjoyed sailing, hiking, camping, traveling, education and earned a private pilot's license. Above all, he enjoyed the time he spent with his family. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 from 6-8pm at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211. His farewell celebration will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 11:00am following an hour of visitation from 10am at FaithBridge Church, 13720 McCormick Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) at www.theaftd.org, and encourages you to read through the information on the website to learn more about this devastating disease.