Obituary of Richard Budin

Budin, Richard John “Dick”, 84, of Clearwater, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at home.

He was born February 28, 1939, to John and Jennie Budin and raised in Little Ferry, New Jersey. Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ and later earned an MBA from the University of South Florida. He had a successful career in mechanical engineering. During his retirement, Richard followed his love for community theater, becoming a playwright, and producing plays. Richard also spent decades as part of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, of which he became captain. His first play was a pirate musical based on the story of Jose Gaspar. He also wrote and produced several other musicals including “Crimson Sails”, “The Greatest Christmas Villain”, and “The Orange Belt Railroad”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jennie Budin, and his long-time best friend and significant other, Wynne Wells. Richard is survived by daughters Robin Cody, Kim Harvey, Sandra Budin; stepdaughter, Kimberly Viverette; grandchildren, Andrew Cody, Melissa (Nick) Cody, Brian (Laura) Simon, Danielle (Robert) Roberts, and Taylor Moon; great-grandchildren, Carter Cody, Austin Villagomez and Ariana Villagomez; Wynne’s daughters Sharon Ward, Susan (Gavan) Benson; Wynne’s grandsons, Nicholas and Matthew Ward, and Wells Benson; as well as cousins, and many friends.

He was admired for his wisdom, great sense of humor, and never-ending imagination. He is loved and will be truly missed by many.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024, 1pm-4pm, at Gulfport Community Players, Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St S Gulfport, FL 33707.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gulfport Community Players.