Punta Gorda, FL - Richard June Greaves, of Punta Gorda, FL, “Dick”, passed away in the early morning hours of October 10th, 2026, at the age of 79, just one week from his 80th birthday. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, son, Jay, and Lucy, his Golden Retriever.

With that said, have we got a story for you … no matter where he was, from 34 years teaching grade school students, dealing blackjack on the boat of the Alton Belle Casino, or watching his favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, he was always full of laughter, just enjoying life.

Born in the small midwestern town of Carrollton, IL October 17th,1946, to parents Samual Ernest Greaves and Pauline Louise Kincaid Greaves, he joined an older brother, George Thomas Greaves, all deceased. Early years in each season were spent with all ages of neighborhood kids, playing cowboys & Indians, baseball, basketball, football, & sheep in the pen until the streetlights came on.

Grade school days passed quickly, but he loved high school, not ever wanting to leave. He was active in band, marching, playing percussion, he enjoyed every sock hop & prom once learning to dance in a neighbor’s basement, eventually ending up parking on the square. After graduating, he attended Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville shortly, being drafted into the Army. Fortunately, his orders were lost so in lieu of Vietnam he was sent to California, Germany, & Kansas until honorably discharged. Returning home, studied Elementary Education with a focus on IT, Earth Science, Math and Social Studies, eventually earning a master’s degree.

Dick began his teaching career in Eldred until it closed, then moved to Carrollton Grade School, teaching 7th & 8th grade math, & finally teaching 6th grade, his only wish through the years! He was known as the “fun” teacher, using his stories, creative ideas, & special projects making class so interesting.

Amid this time of his life, he married, had two children, Jay Richard Greaves and Meghan Elizabeth Greaves, whom he loved with all his heart, the greatest gifts he ever received. He loved being a father, along with raising ducks and always a dog! With Jay, he went to many Padres/Cardinals games, coached little league teams and even passed on his love of British sports cars like the TR3. Meghan and her Dad shared a love of dogs, ducks, history and learning how to DIY. She adds that he was a pro at giving unsolicited advice and using charades to find the right words but mostly she’ll remember his larger than life laugh and love of entertaining a crowd. As a little girl, it was magical to ask him to tell a story.

Years later, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Hunsinger, whom he married in Galena, IL on June 8th,1991, on the Mississippi River, where he also gained two sons, Scott Edward Adams and Ryan Lee Adams. Scott and Ryan say he’ll be fondly remembered by them, especially for giving them their love of dogs, but most importantly, caring so deeply for their Mom. Family to Dick was the glue that held him together. Dick is survived by his wife, Mary, 4 children, and grandchildren, Andrew Cody Adams, Carter Andrew Adams, and Bruno Bozzarelli. The grandchildren say they’ll always remember his funny jokes, playing catch, and enjoying the dogs with him.

For an intriguing twist, late in his working life, he set off to become a Riverboat Gambler on the mighty Mississippi (in his mind and his stories). In reality, he wanted to earn extra to help put 3 of the 4 children in college, thus applied for a part-time/summer maintenance job on the first riverboat casino in IL. He became the first part-time Blackjack dealer on the new Alton Belle Casino. There, his love of Math and storytelling created his alter ego of “Rick the Blackjack Dealer”. He loved dealing Blackjack for the next 20 years as he passed this on to son Ryan who followed in his footsteps to be a pitboss.

For his final adventure, he and Mary retired from teaching to live here in Punta Gorda, Burnt Store Lakes. Mary and Dick truly felt at home in their new community where they have many loving & close friends. Throughout these 14 years, their connection to their community helped create great memories, from dancing rock & roll, Derby Day parties, eating all types of seafood, to dressing for Halloween downtown. Dick thoroughly enjoyed watching the Discovery Channel of wildlife on Ibis Lake with 2 islands behind their house, especially the many Ibis, Egrets, & Black Bellied Whistling Ducks that call it home. He’ll always be remembered by his family and friends as a man with a true sense of humor and appreciation for fried catfish.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an Alzheimer’s Foundation, in honor of his Mom or donate to a Golden Retriever Rescue near you.