Richard M. LaVista of St. Augustine, Florida, and Formerly of Westhampton Beach, Dies July 14

Richard M. LaVista of St Augustine, Florida, and formerly of Westhampton Beach, died on July 14 at home, surrounded by family. He was 76.

He was born and raised in Westhampton Beach. A graduate of Westhampton Beach High School, he attended Wheeling College in West Virginia, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Long Island University. He moved to Florida in the early 1970s. Through his marriage to Ann Marie, he gained two children, Heather and Alex, whom he loved dearly and was proud to raise as his own. They lived in Melbourne Beach, Florida, until 2008, when the couple relocated to St. Augustine.

His career in financial services would span 50 years. For many years, his responsibilities included extensive traveling, which he greatly enjoyed. He was talented, resourceful, tireless in his work ethic and genuine in his care for clients. He felt blessed to make a living doing what he loved, his family said.

He was a devoted parishioner of the Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine, serving as chair of the Finance Council, extraordinary minister, reader, and many other capacities. He represented Home Again St. Johns both as a board member and a volunteer committed to helping the marginalized and underprivileged.

He was an avid runner for most of his life and an enthusiastic Gator fan. He enjoyed golf, fishing, the beach, and listening and dancing to live music. He enjoyed spending time with his family and cherished family vacations. He made many lifelong friends from business travels, life adventures and charitable works. He was the life of the party and the instigator of adventure.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie, of 35 years; daughter Heather Cognac (Glen); son John “Alex” Spellacy (Casey); grandsons Jaxson and Lucas Spellacy; sister Lorraine LaVista; brother Thomas LaVista (Susan); nieces and nephews Jane Saliba, Will Wells, Mariel Wells, Sarah and Jeffrey LaVista; his stepmother, Lucille LaVista; and a large extended family of cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Maurice “Peck” LaVista and Mary McGarry LaVista.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, with a prayer service starting at 6 p.m. at Craig Funeral Home in St. Augustine. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, in the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine. Burial will follow in San Lorenzo Cemetery. The Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed at thefirstparish.org.

Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may consider: Home Again St. Johns at HomeAgainSaintJohns.org or Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine at thefirstparish.org.