Gene C. Richie

Gene C. Richie, also known as Jean C. Riche, Sr., age 80, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Treasure Coast Hospice House in Fort Pierce, Florida, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Born on October 18, 1945, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Gene lived a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and enduring love. He shared 56 cherished years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marie M. Richie.

Gene devoted 45 years of his life to a career in hospitality, serving others with pride, grace, and dedication. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, a caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man of unwavering strength, deep integrity, and remarkable work ethic. He encouraged those he loved, especially his children, to strive for their very best, offering guidance with wisdom, discipline, and a love that ran deep. A devout Catholic, Gene’s faith remained a steady foundation throughout his life. He found joy in working with his hands on projects around the home, spending time on the golf course, tending to his garden, staying active, and sharing his warm smile with all who knew him.

Gene leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 56 years, Marie M. Richie; his children, Gary L. Richie and his spouse, Louisianne Richie, and their children, Roody Joseph (Kim Joseph), Gyanna Richie, and Gary Richie, Jr.; Lesly D. Richie and his spouse, Rose Do, and their children, Ashly Roberson (Jordan Roberson), Linh Tran, and Zoey Tran; Claudine M. Richie and her children, Shanise Thompson (Brandon Thompson), Gabrielle Defoe (Akeil Defoe), and Avery Bourdeau (Seth Bourdeau); Maegan M. Riche; and Jeffrey A. Riche and his spouse, Odia Riche, and their children, Jeffrey Riche, Jr., Noah Riche, Rhiley Riche, and Liam Riche. He is also lovingly remembered by the children of his late son, Jean C. Riche, Jr.; Jasmine C. Stewart (Traveon Stewart), the late Jairus L. Riche, and Amira S. Riche. He also leaves behind 17 great-grandchildren, along with a host of family and friends who loved him dearly and will forever hold him close in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jean C. Riche, Jr., who passed away on October 26, 2025, as well as by his parents, Richelieu Riche and Andremise LeFranc.

Though he will be deeply missed, Gene’s love, strength, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.