TAMPA — Richard Ludwin Proulx Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 82 in Tampa, Florida. Born on March 22, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Richard, affectionately known as Dick, brought joy and warmth to all who knew him. He is survived by his cherished wife, Jane Proulx, of Tampa Bay, Florida, and leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure in the hearts of his family and friends.
Dick was the son of J. Ludwin Proulx and Florence Misner Proulx, and he was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Robert B. Proulx, older sister Virginia Proulx Clayton, and two of his children, David Proulx and Donna Muriel Proulx Holland. He is survived by his older sister Nancy Proulx of Oviedo, Florida, his son Richard Ludwin Proulx, Jr. of New Hampshire, his daughter Diane Marie Proulx Christofora and son-in-law Vincent Robert Christofora, Jr. of Woodstock, NY, plus his ‘nother daughter Lynn-Anne Marie Schow of Newburyport, MA. His grandchildren, Richard L. Proulx III (RJ), William Proulx, John Keith Holland (Jack), Vincent Richard Christofora, and Anthony Giovanni Christofora, will carry forward his spirit and passion for life. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who adored him: Geoffrey E. Proulx, Jane Bennett, Sarah Clayton, Susan Clayton-Meyer, Nancy Clayton, Chip Carbino, and Rebecca Sweeney.
A proud graduate of South Dade Senior High School in Homestead, Florida, and Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, Dick earned a degree in Industrial Management. Dick’s favorite HS pastimes were playing the drums in the marching band, secretly drag racing his mother’s Cadillac, and spending time with his vast group of friends. Dick was an active member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. His time in college not only shaped his career but also led him to meet his first wife and future mother to his four children, Kathryn (Kathy) Ann Rice, on a fateful blind date. Their marriage marked the beginning of a beautiful family life in New Hampshire, where they raised four children, nurturing them with love and endless adventures.
Dick taught countless friends of his children how to water ski, drive a boat, drive a snowmobile, sail a boat, ice-skate …. The list goes on and on. He was eager to share whatever knowledge he had with whomever wanted to learn.
Dick’s professional journey was marked by his roles as President of City Concrete and Dover Sand and Gravel in Dover, New Hampshire, and later President of Fairfax Materials, Inc. in Oakland, Maryland. In 1992, he ventured out on his own to create Pruven Concrete and purchase Dover Sand and Gravel, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. After retiring in 2009, he relocated to Woodstock, New York, where he enjoyed a life filled with love and laughter living near his daughter Diane and her family.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dick was known as “The Ultimate Party Host,” a title he wore proudly. He was a community-minded individual, dedicating his time as Fire Chief for the Durham Fire Department and serving as President and Vice President of the National Home Builders Association and President of the Profile Automobile Association. His warmth and hospitality were legendary, and he had a unique ability to turn any gathering into a memorable event. Whether it was hosting elaborate parties or simple family gatherings, he infused every occasion with joy, laughter, and his signature cocktails—a Bloody Mary and a Margarita. Georgia Tech vs. University of Georgia (Kathy’s school) college football games and July 4th parties were the most memorable.
His hobbies reflected his vibrant personality. Dick loved water skiing, ice-skating, motor boating, sailing, golfing, and snowmobiling. He was an avid collector of antique cars, proudly showcasing his cherished 1935 Rolls Royce and 1926 Pierce Arrow. At one time his garage held 14 antique cars! He delighted in picking his children up from summer camp in a firetruck, sirens blaring all the way to their cabin. He made even the simplest of moments extraordinary. One pickup day it rained, so the children were picked up in the Rolls Royce. Embarrassed to say, the children were upset it wasn’t the firetruck.
His infamous trampoline construction on a snowy Christmas Eve solidified his reputation as a dedicated father who would go above and beyond for his children. That night Dick and his best friend David Whitcher, plus their “Best Buddy” Jack Daniels, constructed a Huge trampoline for Dick & Kathy’s children to wake up to Christmas morning. That was the Christmas the children stopped questioning if Santa was real. There was No Way their dad would put together a trampoline in the middle of a snowstorm! But he did.
Dick’s love story with Jane Woodruff was a testament to the beauty of love and companionship. They met in 2012 at Woodstock Laundry (his daughter Diane’s business) and fell in love almost instantly, marrying just three months later. Dick was an active member of his church in Brandon, Florida called Beit Tehila. Dick loved his church family. Dick & Jane’s relationship was filled with mutual appreciation and unwavering support, and up to the end Dick would still become emotional while speaking of Jane, highlighting the depth of his love.
Dick Proulx will be remembered not just for his accomplishments, but for the light he brought into the lives of others. His striking blue eyes, infectious laugh, and generous spirit will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visiting Hours will be November 15, 2024, 5pm-7pm and A funeral service to honor Dick’s life will be held on November 16, 2024, at 10am, both at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, located at 45 John Street, Saugerties, New York. 845-246-5111. Burial directly afterward at the Woodstock Cemetery, off of Rock City Road. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the remarkable life of Richard Ludwin Proulx, a man who truly embodied the spirit of love, laughter, and adventure.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Dick, a man who dedicated his life to helping others and creating joyful memories, to the “Beit Tehila Congregation” (Children’s Building in the memo). PO Box 3692, Brandon, FL 33509-3692. For additional information: 813-654-2222.
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