Mr. Richard Joseph Isinghood

“Resisting the urge to stop, I keep walking…. The asphalt ends…. It is done. Because it is here.” – Richard J. Isinghood, August 1996 Richard J. Isinghood, 84, of Auburndale, FL, passed away on August 11, 2024 in Tampa. Richard was born on March 27, 1940, in Wellsburg, West Virginia, to Robert and Josephine Isinghood. He received his B.A. in English/Physical Education at Marshall University and his Master’s in Administration/Supervision at Rollins College. Richard retired from the Polk County School Board after more than 35 years of service. He was a teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator. In addition, he served as a volunteer at MidFlorida Credit Union beginning in 1984, as past Board Chairman, member of the Supervisory Committee, and most recently serving as Senior Board Member Emeritus. He was an Army veteran of the 101st Airborne Division and a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Auburndale, Florida, and American Legion Post 111, Tampa. Richard loved to travel, explore places and cultures far and wide, and enjoyed many trips. An active senior who enjoyed all forms of dancing and was an active member of the Tampa Bay Beach Boppers. He was an avid fan of the University of South Florida Athletics, especially the women’s basketball team, where you would find him cheering at almost every home game. He was also an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. Always seeking intellectual learning opportunities, Richard was a former Board Chair and member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-USF) since 2015. In addition, you would find him almost every Monday (for the past 18 years) with his weekly discussion group, Sage-ing at the Winter Haven Library. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Josephine Isinghood; brother David (Butch) Isinghood; sisters Clara Ann (Nan) Visnic and JoAnn Knowles; brother Robert Lee Isinghood; brothers-in-law Steve Visnic and Russell Knowles; and sister-in-law Polly Isinghood. He is survived by his sister, Mary (Ralph) Wheaton; his former wife, Gervious Isinghood, along with their children, Sara (John) Jensen, Wendy Worth (Gerald Sager), and Lisa (Randy) Gilbert; and his dance & travel companion, Jean Hope. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Marshall University Alumni Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa

Mr. Richard Joseph Isinghood

March 27, 1940 - August 11, 2024