Richard Augustus Washington, Sr., affectionately known as "Dickie" by his family and friends, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1937 to Christine Washington.  After his mother passed away, he was raised by his Aunt Marie Ingram in Harlem, NY.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and headed off to Parris Island for Recruit Training.   After Richard was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corp in 1958, he pursued various employment opportunities, including Commercial Painting, driving a Medallion Cab and Hair Dressing.  His hair dressing skills were later used to do his wife's hair for 21 years, for which he was very proud.

Richard joined the New York City Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer and attended Long Island University to attain a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.

After 20 years with the Department of Corrections, Richard retired and was hired by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).  Richard held various positions at NBC, working with many well-known talents and newscasters (e.g. Tom Brokaw, Ann Curry, Al Roker and Sue Simmons).

Richard loved swimming, so on his days off, he'd pack the family up and take them to Jones Beach, Long Island for a day of sun and fun.  He also loved to fish and listen to Classical Jazz during his quiet moments.  In 1983, he saw an ad for a 17 foot Mako and knew he had to buy it.  The price was right and the time was right; after all, he was retired!

He spent most weekends in Huntington, New York prepping and painting his new used boat, which he named "How Sweet It is".  When he moved to Florida in 2004, he had the boat shipped to Palm Coast.  He later sold "How Sweet It is" and purchased a Cobia; but continued to miss "How Sweet It Is".

Richard met his wife, Jennifer Payne in 1978, and married her in 1997.  They loved to travel to the Caribbean enjoying the beaches, food and the people.

Richard went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Advent Health Stuart F. Meyer Hospice Care Center, Palm Coast.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Jennifer, daughter Ianta Washington, sons, Dr. Dwayne Washington and Reginald Washington; sister, Evelyn Thomas, five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one beloved cousin, Vincent Washington.