Richard Lake Kamensky's Obituary
Richard Lake Kamensky, “Hitch”, 92, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, December 18 surrounded by family. He was born on May 10, 1923 in Clearwater, Florida and was a lifelong resident of Clearwater and Dunedin. Hitch attended Clearwater High School, Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA and The University of Florida, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and went to England where he served in WWII. Upon returning home, he settled in Clearwater where he eventually married Jane Mayers. Hitch had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting, tarpon fishing, stone crabbing and all aspects of being on the water. He grew up in a family of sailors and enjoyed it as well. He competed in many races and was especially proud of being a crewmember on the Ticonderoga when the sailboat had the honor of setting a course record for the fastest time from St. Petersburg to Havana, Cuba. Hitch could grow anything, and over the years grew numerous large family gardens, blackberries, tomatoes and hundreds of oak trees. For many years Hitch and his family supplied residents, local churches and schools with Christmas trees grown at the Kamensky Tree Farm. Hitch had a great sense of humor and always had a wonderful story or joke to tell. His recollections of growing up in Dunedin were stories that his family and friends never grew tired of. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will forever be missed. Hitch is predeceased by his loving wife Jane and son Richard. He is survived by his children Alex (Lori), Kimberly (Chip) and Susan and grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Richard III, Kaliegh and Jeffry.
Following a funeral service on December 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm there will be a celebration of his life at his home in Dunedin, Florida.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?