David Lee Rich

David Lee Rich’s hometown was Springfield, MO. He was born to Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Buck Rich & Donald Lee Rich, individuals whom had humble beginnings. Throughout his life, David was honored to say he was from the Ozarks. He loved a local delicacy “cashew chicken,” but he was more captivated with his mother’s stories in her hometown, Ponce de Leon, MO. David was a graduate of The University of Kansas and majored in English. He was member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, serving as president his junior year. Summers spent in Sarasota along with his love of Disney brought him to The Sunshine State. David never looked back. He had a zest for freedom that was unmatched. His new sense of liberty enriched his life. His drive propelled him up the corporate ladder. However, he dreamed up something more than magic. David along with a business partner formulated a concept of entertainment, art and an environment where everyone had a place. The Peacock Room was an award-winning accomplishment to them. It left a lasting impression on the local community. The connections everyone made there were invaluable. It gave him notoriety, praise and a culture he was always looking for. David resided in Downtown Orlando for over 25 years. He was a founding board member of Lake Formosa Neighborhood Association. David utterly adored his surrounding community. He took great pride in supporting local establishments. His passions in life mainly focused on family, friends, food and traveling. David loved seeking ancestry info, family photos, and was honored to keep family Bibles in his possession. He loved inspiring others, was known for his authenticity, and for his genuine soul. He would seek reassurance and moral support along the way. He was also known for reciprocating the insight he received. He dissected recipes in cookbooks. He combined techniques and ingredients to make them his own. David loved to get the hell out of town. Whether it was a day trip in Florida or a long weekend to a new destination, he got an escape when he traveled. David was an avid animal lover at an early age. The unconditional love he received from animals was nourishing to him. He had numerous rescued pets during his journey. Life experience gave David the material he needed to tell a great story. His memory, empathy, and sincerity made him a perfect storyteller. David thought he inherited this trait from his mother, Betty. No fabrication was necessary. His social media platform gave him a broad audience from every stage of his life. David lived in the past, present and future, his stories reflected that. He wore his vulnerability on his plaid sleeves. The comments made by readers of his posts meant as much to him as the content Itself. He was known for his “5 for 5” phone sessions. Often, his past was ringing the phone. This delighted David beyond words. His dream was to write a book. The support he received gave him the confidence he needed. Unfortunately, this did not come to fruition. David never took the humility of life for granted. He remembered each and every soul that ever crossed his path. Laughter got him through the best & worst times. David is survived by his devoted husband, Daniel Joseph Giaquinto Rich; his four dynamic pets: Chopstick, Dagwood, Fairbanks and Topeka Joe; his father, Donald Lee Rich; his stepmother, Renee Brandes Rich; his supportive siblings, Sarah Rich Wehmeyer and Stephen “Steve” Donald Rich; his sister-in-law, Bennett Cave Rich; his niece, Eliza Lee Rich & his nephew, Marshall Barrier Rich; his cherished cousins: Amy Lynn Rich Webb, Julie Beth Rich MacDonald, Shelley Anne Rich Manning, Carol Ellen Branson, Lesli Ann Buck Burns and Robert "Bob" Kent Buck; his aunt & uncle, Bryon Kent & Doris Ann Buck; and last, but not least, his motherly aunt, Margaret Louise “Peggy” Shelley Rich.

David Lee Rich

August 24, 1967 - June 18, 2021