Richard Jennings

he Life of Richard Hugh Jennings Richard Hugh Jennings was born in Lorain, Ohio at St. Joseph Hospital on December 26, 1949. His parents were the late Gladys Marie Jennings and Hazel Robert Jennings. Growing up as the youngest sibling, Richard enjoyed hanging out with his older sisters, brothers, and nephews. Richard known to his family as “Ricky” or “Ric” to his friends. He was also known as “Rich” to his wife, Brenda. Richard was a 1967 graduate of Admiral King High School, where in sports he excel as a track runner. He had a very good track record and that is still displayed in the trophy showcase at Admiral King High School. But, Richard, greatest accomplishments as a young adult was to become a father to his number (1}daughter, Angela Jennings (the love of his life) his number (2 )daughter, Angie Cotton (which he adored so much). Richard joined the family church, “Friendship Baptist Church” in Lorain, OH, and was a lifelong member. After, graduation, Richard attended a computer technical school and later enlisted in the United States, Army. He was a SFC E-7, Sergeant, First Class and served a total of 23 years, from, 1970-1993. Richard moved to Maryland, after retirement and was employed at the Pentagon of Washington DC, as a computer specialist. After, September 11, Richard remarried and moved to Connecticut and became involved in several career adventures and committees. Richard became a Radio DJ (Radio Ric) was his name, and an account manager, for the very popular radio station, 94.3,WYBC in New Haven, Connecticut. He also worked at the Student Parenting and Family Services as a coordinator of Father Care, mentoring teen fathers. Richard severed on several boards and committees during his life time in Connecticut. Appointed first “African American, President” of the New Haven Museum Board; active member of the New Haven, African American Historic Society, Blacks in Government, Board and held various committee position. Richard, later went back to school after moving to Florida, where he received his lifelong goal, a master degree in science counseling, from the very famous, Bethune/Cookman University in Daytona, Florida, at the age of 68. In Florida, Richard, didn’t slow down, he remained very active as a “Human Rights Advocate.” He became the President of the Council on Aging Board; Guardian Ad Litem Advocate, for Foster Children, board member, of the City of Kissimmee Park and Recreation Board, active member of Affiliated Group Lodge #FNAMPHA, which targeted activities for young children and teenagers, intern at the Robertson and Associates Psychological Services, and Past Master Mason in Kissimmee, Florida. Richard was a good storyteller, very knowledgeable of his family history and enjoyed sharing it with family. He also was a great historian, on American History. Richard was a collector of antiques, old school R&B and Jazz music. During his early years he loved to dance and swing dancing, was one of his favorite. But, if you ask, “what he enjoyed the most?” was his family involvement. He loved being around his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends. Richard was well loved and will be sadly missed. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Gladys Jennings; brothers, Alvin Jennings, and William Jennings; sisters, Gloria Woodley, Angeline Shorts and Jean Jennings; nephew, Terrance Shorts and niece, Cheryl Jenkins. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Brenda Joyce Jennings; daughters, Angela Jennings, Angie Cotton; step-sons, Raymund Tyson Barnes, Willie Evans (Lori) Barnes; grandchildren, Anthony Jennings, Aric Jennings, Jaylon Jennings, DeMonte Parrish, Brittany Shelton; seven step-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Jesse Snipes (Doreen) of Raleigh NC, Gordon Snipes (Deborah) of Bowie Maryland, Robert Snipes (Rita) of Braselton, Georgia; sisters-in-law Betty Jennings, (Cleveland, Ohio), Lilliam Snipes, (Hamden, Connecticut); host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; close and dear friends, Mr. Butch Atley and Theodore Keys and soul sister, Ceteria Harris

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