Provenzano, Richard Paul 1944-2007

PROVENZANO, MARSHALL, CRAWFORD, VER SCHUURE

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/20/2008 at 16:38:03

Richard Paul Provenzano was born on Aug. 9, 1944, in Knoxville. He was one of five children born to Bernice Marshall and Paul Joseph Provenzano. Richard grew up in Pershing. He attended Attica School until its closing. Richard graduated from Twin Cedars High School in 1963.

Richard Paul Provenzano was united in marriage on Dec. 20, 1965, to Louvenna "Lucy" Crawford. To this union two daughters were born. After Lucy's death in 1991, Richard was united in marriage to Joyce Lorraine Ver Schuure on Nov. 6, 1993.

Richard joined the US Air Force. After leaving the service Richard began working at Maytag Company in Newton. He retired in 1992 after 27 years of work.

After retirement Richard and Joyce became avid gardeners of both vegetables and flowers. They always had more than needed so sharing with family and friends became commonplace. In his earlier days Richard liked to hunt, especially for birds and deer.

After his retirement Richard spent more time fishing. Richard liked to spend spare time watching the Atlanta Braves baseball games. He was a true Hawkeye fan especially for football and basketball. Richard was a dedicated family man. He visited his Mom everyday for a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed taking Shane shopping for birthday gifts. Richard had a good disposition and sense of humor. Everyone enjoyed his company.

Richard Provenzano passed away on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, at the Comfort House in Pella surrounded by family and friends at the age of 63.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul; wife, Lucy and brother, James Provenzano.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Joyce Provenzano of Pershing, two daughters, Sherry Botkin and her husband, Darin of Knoxville and Shelley Provenzano of Desoto, Mo.; two step-sons, Jeffery Ver Schuure and David "Buddy" Ver Schuure of Pershing; 9 grandchildren; his mother, Bernice Provenzano of Pershing; and three siblings, Judy Mart and her husband, Jerry of Knoxville, Linda Provenzano and her friend, John Wadle of Knoxville and Dennis Provenzano and his wife, Joann of Lovilia.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Knoxville with Rev. Joel Picard officiating. Interment was in Zion Cemetery, Pershing. Memorials in memory of Mr. Provenzano may be made to Hospice Comfort House in Pella. Williams Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

The Knoxville Journal Express, November 2, 2007