Reverend Richard Speck of Chautauqua NY passed away October 26. He served as a Disciples of Christ pastor for 45 years. From 1972 until 1984 he was minister of Grove Street Christian Church in Tonawanda, NY. Where he was active in many community activities. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joreta; daughter, Jodi Gademsky of Tonawanda; son Richard Speck of Kodiak, Alaska; daughter Deanna Johnson of Oklahoma City, OK, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Richard L Speck, (Dick) was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1936, his family moved to Olympia Washington in 1946 where he graduated from High School in 1954. In the fall of 1954 he enrolled in Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon to prepare for the ministry. There he met his wife to be, who was a student at the University of Oregon. Joreta was working in a small restaurant near the college and Dick loved to come for coffee and pester her. Dick was selected to be a member of the NCC quartet and traveled throughout the summer of 1955 performing concerts. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved singing. In June of 1956 Dick and Joreta were married, beginning a lifetime partnership. Dick went to Christian Theological Seminary at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana for his Master of Divinity degree, specializing in counseling. Throughout his ministry he actively counseled many individuals and served on mental health counsels.
Dick and Joreta had 3 children, Jodi, Rick and Deanna. A special joy to him was that both girls had beautiful singing voices and he loved singing with them. A special treat was singing with Deanna on the stage at Chautauqua Institution.
In 1984 Joreta and Dick moved to Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua NY where Joreta had become a real estate developer, developing co-ops and condos. For 5 years Dick served as minister of First Christian Church in Erie, PA, an easy commute from Chautauqua. He retired from the ministry after 45 years. Joreta and Dick continued to work as Condominium managers of the St. Elmo Condominiums in Chautauqua. Dick was a cautious individual but always willing to go with whatever adventure Joreta came up with. He had confidence that it would turn out ok.
In the years following Dick’s retirement he and Joreta managed to do some traveling which included 9 European countries. One of those trips was a 5 week backpacking trip through many spots in Europe. They also bought a place in Florida to spend the winter months and worked 10 years, part time park greeters, at the Disney World Magic Kingdom. He loved having the family come and visit the parks with him.
In August, week 9 of the Chautauqua Institution summer sessions, Dick began to feel tired and developed a cough. Joreta said I am taking you to the Dr. to get something for your Bronchitis. The Dr. checked his lungs, listened to his heart and said “I am calling an ambulance. There is more going on here than bronchitis.” As it turned out, he had 3 of his 4 main arteries totally blocked. The Drs. tried hard to repair the damage but after a 2 month stay in the hospital, he succumbed to heart failure. His wife and 3 children were at his side as he passed away. He leaves a lifetime of beautiful memories and beautiful friendships.
Dick was a family man and loved his children and his 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was fortunate enough this past summer to spend time with most of them at Chautauqua.
A memorial service will be held in Chautauqua at the end of June, 2023 when many of his friends return.