Natasha Richards' Obituary
Natasha Richards passed away December 3, 2016 in her home at the age of 44. She was born in Queens, NY but moved to New Port Richey, FL as a child, and later to Clearwater, FL. Natasha was a natural born performer who loved to dance and sing as a small child. Her kind heart, generosity, and fantastic sense of humor made her center stage, both in drag and in life. She was truly a light and an icon in the Tampa Bay LGBTQ community and was loved by all who knew her.
With the support of her mother, grandmother, and sisters, Natasha began performing professionally at the age of 15. She later went on to become the youngest crowned Miss Gay US of A. Natasha was truly a stunning performer who performed not only in the Tampa Bay area but around the United States and abroad as a result of the many titles she held. She was known for her impeccable appearance, spot on lip synching, dazzling choreography, and hilarious emceeing. She hosted many drag events in the Tampa Bay Area including drag queen bingo at Blur, Hamburger Mary’s, and gay bowling night at Dunedin Lanes. Another passion she had was instructing ballroom dance at Arthur Miller Dance Studio. Natasha loved her community and thrived off of the love of her supporters. She was always happy to take a photo with anyone, even as she performed. She also made time to mentor many young drag queens throughout their careers.
Off stage, Natasha lived life to the fullest, never letting a single opportunity slip away. Whether it was flirting with a waiter at a dinner, or bringing a smile to someone’s face. Her generosity was evident through the care and compassion she showed her friends and family. She cherished the times spent with her nieces and nephews, especially on Halloween. This was one of Natasha's favorite times of the year, whether it was dressing up or trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. She would always make sure her beloved Nemo would also dress up and go along to trick-or-treat. Nemo is a Shih Tzu, whom Natasha adored and was her pride and joy. Always traveling with Natasha anywhere she went.
Natasha was very active in the LGBTQ community and volunteered thousands of hours for Pride events, the Aids Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), the Metro Wellness LGBT Welcome Center, and transgender equality.
Natasha was preceded in death by her mother Noel Hoffman and grandmother Marilyn Trask. She is survived by her sisters Carol Gongola and Debbie Hoffman. Nieces and nephews: Brittany Buckley, Justin Neu, Samantha Gongola, and Jamie Gongola. Great-nephews: Jayden, Austin, and Chase. Sweet puppy Nemo, innumerable friends, and the loving support of the LGBTQ community.
A celebration of Natasha’s life will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday, December 13th at Hamburger Mary’s 28910 U.S. Hwy 19N Clearwater 33761.
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