Richard (RICK) Francis Sumner

Richard (Rick) Francis Sumner, Tampa FL- Age 64, passed away May 18, 2021.

He was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, youngest son of the late Col. Robert S. and Dorothy Sumner.

Known as Rick by his friends, a long time Tampa resident; he attended Christ the King Catholic School, Jesuit High School, Memphis State and graduated from the University of South Florida with an English Degree.  While at Jesuit H.S. he was an outstanding football player and received the Golden Helmet Award, was selected all county and all state, and was later inducted into the Jesuit Hall of Fame. 

He was a much loved teacher and football coach at Robinson H.S.  He left teaching to work for Pepin Distributing Co. for 10 years when he realized how much he missed his students and the immense gratification of making a difference in their lives. He returned to college to obtain certification in Special Education, he then taught at Plant H.S., Leto H.S., and his much loved Carver Exceptional Center where he taught to the day of his passing.

Rick loved cooking on the grill and in the kitchen, he loved feeding people.  He enjoyed working in his yard and had a passion for Plumerias, which stemmed from living in Hawaii.  He was an avid sports fan. He loved his family and friends deeply. His favorite vacations were spending time at the beach with Maria.

 He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 33 years, Maria Mello Sumner, mother in law Mary Mello, brother in law Joe Mello (Kim); nephew Geoffrey Mello; brothers: Lester Sumner (Patti) of New York, Robert Sumner (Heidi) of St. Petersburg; sisters: Valerie Morales (Gilbert) of Tampa and Ann Sumner of Lewiston NY;   nieces and nephews: Annie Morales Singletary, Elizabeth Morales, Michael Morales, Dana Sumner Prichard and Alex Sumner.  He is predeceased by his parents, father in law Joseph Mello and Coach Bill Minahan, a great mentor and dear friend.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to:

Jesuit High School, 4701 N. Himes, Tampa, FL 33614   nsuszynski@jesuittampa.org   or

Life Link Legacy Fund, 9961 Delaney Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619  

Rick loved to tell and hear a good story, please feel free to share your memories.

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