Richard Alan Bryar's Obituary
Richard Alan Bryar, age 79, of the Village at Gainesville, Florida died Monday July 6th at HCA North Florida Hospital of a cardiac arrest.
He was born in Rochester, NY November 11,1946. He attended the NY State Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. This was followed by service in the Army as a Sergeant in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered there while leading a patrol. Following a lengthy recuperation and honorable discharge he attended the Calhoon MEBA (Marine Engineers Beneficial Association) where he excelled academically. As part of the US Merchant Marine, Richard sailed the world on many different ships including as cargo engineer for the natural gas ship LNG Leo. He also spent time as a PADI certified deep sea diver working on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Following his retirement, he lived in San Diego, CA and Summerland Key, Florida where he enjoyed fishing, especially for Tournament Winning Dolphin and Marlin – Big fish for ‘the Big Guy’. At 6’5” height he always stood above the crowd. He was a gourmet cook introducing his family to techniques such as spatchcocking poultry, dry and wet brining meats and countless culinary delights. Our knives were never sharp enough! Richard moved to Gainesville, Florida in 2024 where he resided happily and independently at the Village of Gainesville. He will be missed by many friends he made throughout his life.
He is survived by his sister Judith Sullivan of Bradenton, FL, brother William (Cheryl) of Ormond Beach, sister Jean Trescott of Geneseo, NY and sister Betsy Beers (Thomas) of Gainesville, FL and 7 nieces and nephews.
Richard was especially thankful for the excellent care he received at the Gainesville VA hospital and the friendly and caring staff and residents at the Village.
He will be buried in the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Bushnell, FL in November 2026.
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