Richard J. Kaelin

Richard Kaelin, 85, passed away on January 5^th, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida, after suffering complications from injuries he sustained in a fall.

Richard was born on May 18^th, 1937, in Queens, New York to John and Eunice Kaelin, from Valley Stream, NY.   He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY in 1955; he went on to study accounting at Pace University in New York City in the late 1950s; then enlisted in the US Army, achieving rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1961.  That same year, he married his high school sweetheart Clare Schmitz, and they settled in Valley Stream to raise their family.  He went back to school and received a BBA from Hofstra University in 1967.  He worked for over 25 years in New York City at CIT Group and Standard and Poor’s, and then life took him and Clare to Orlando and eventually Chicago, where he worked for various relocation companies before finally retiring in 2001, and settling in Vero Beach, Florida.

Faith was an integral part of Richard’s life, and he was very involved in his churches, most recently Living Lord Lutheran Church.  He sang in the church choir, held various positions on church council, and participated in many fundraising and fellowship events.  He also sang in Orlando’s Bach Society Chorus, the Vero Beach Rhythm Band & Chorus, and sang/acted in various community theater musicals.

What Richard will be remembered most for was his zest for life and his wonderful sense of humor.  He made life-long friends every step of the way, and always had a kind word and a hearty laugh ready for anyone he met and loved.  He lived life to the fullest.

Richard was survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Clare (Schmitz) Kaelin, daughters Robin (Albert) King and Karin Moreno, and grandchildren Kaelin, Victoria, and Alex.  He is also survived by his brother Ron (Lois) Kaelin, sister June (John) Sehlmeyer, sister-in-law Mariann Morgan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions be made to Richard’s favorite charity and place where he volunteered and was known as the “soup man” for 12 years.  (Please make checks payable to OFTSK and mark as a memorial for Richard Kaelin).  Alternatively, donations can be made to the “American Cancer Society”:

Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 6114, Vero Beach, FL  32961

Memorial Service Information: 

Sunday, January 15^th at 11:30 AM

Living Lord Lutheran Church

2725 58^th Avenue

Vero Beach, FL  32966

A second Memorial Service will be held in February (exact date TBD) on Long Island, NY:

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

2025 Washington Avenue

Seaford, NY 11783

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.