Richard (Rick) Marenda, 74, of Wesley Chapel went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 2, 2020. Rick was born in West Palm Beach, FL where his Dad was serving during WWII. He was raised in Detroit, MI. Rick was a combat veteran of the US Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran. Graduating from USF with a degree in Chemical Engineering, his career in Design-Construction took him to many places throughout the world including living in South Africa for a time. After receiving his Masters Degree from Bob Jones University the Lord called him to be a tentmaker. He started churches in South Africa, South Carolina, and Idaho. After moving back to the Tampa area, he started a construction company. He eventually retired and did some traveling with his wife, Chris, of 51 wonderful years. His greatest joys were his Lord and his family. He was loved and respected for his kindness and generosity by everyone that knew him and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Christine (Rawls) Marenda; his children, Christena (David) Villarreal, Jason (Natalie) Marenda, Jeremiah "Chet" (Denise) Marenda, Rebekah (Frank) Burder, Joshua (Damaris) Marenda, John (Melody) Marenda, and Richard Marenda, Jr. Two sisters Elaine (Jim) Stine of Perrysburg, OH and Carol Gargaro of Farmington Hills, MI. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Alice Marenda of Detroit, MI; his grandson, Bradley Villarreal of Wesley Chapel, FL; his parents-in-law, Carl and Elizabeth Rawls; and his brothers-in-law, Richard Jones and Fred Rawls. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, and a private funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. due to COVID-19 CDC Guidelines. A private burial to follow on Wednesday, April 8, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.