WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Richard Aldo Genova, 70, of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., formerly of Wilmington, N.C., and Williamstown, Mass., passed away in his sleep on February 24, 2018.



Richard was born August 10, 1947 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the first of three sons of Aldo and Lucy (Serio) Genova. Richard was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic High School (1965), St. John's University (1969) and the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry (1972). He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force (1973 to 1975). An entrepreneur at heart, after more than 20 years practicing dentistry in North Adams, Mass., he finished his work career as a real estate developer and property manager in North Carolina.



He was an avid sports fan, earned a scholarship to Hofstra University to play lacrosse, and enjoyed tennis, biking, and golf throughout his very full life. He was a voracious reader, and brought the historical biographies he favored to life by traveling the world, experiencing each place and its people through great food and wine. Most evenings he could be found sipping a cocktail and preparing dinner with his wife, Helene, while enjoying the sun setting through the branches of his favorite tree.



Richard is survived by his wife of 23 years, Helene (Allard) Genova; his three children and their spouses, Meredith (Genova) Nicolaescu, Jennifer (Genova) Marks and Bryan Marks, and Matthew Genova and Kathryn (Dubendorf) Genova; his six grandchildren Lucia Marks, Eleanor Marks, Mila Nicolaescu, Anna Genova, William Marks and James Genova; and his beloved brothers and their spouses James and Dee Genova, and Thomas and Wanda Genova.



Funeral notice: A memorial service will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home (7454 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231) followed at 11:30 a.m. by a Committal Service at Sarasota National Cemetery (9810 State Road 72, Sarasota FL 34241).. As an expression of sympathy, remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.