Richard H. Wonders

Richard H. “Tiny” Wonders. 79, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, in Bradenton, FL, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

He was born on August 7, 1946, to Peter and Ann Wonders of Iron Mountain, Michigan. He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Rita (Parard) Wonders, daughter Tammy (Wonders) Helf. He is survived by his sister Judy Occhietti and brother Peter Wonders, 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school in Michigan, Richard joined the United States Navy where he learned new skills and traveled the world. It was his time in the Navy that he was given the nickname “Tiny”, which he so well known as today. Many of his friends over the years didn’t know his given name as Richard.

After leaving the Navy, Tiny had various jobs including driving a big rig for a circus. We’ve heard many stories of his time hauling “Mary and Bessie the elephants” through winding roads and small towns.

Tiny met the love of his life, Rita Parard, in the early ‘70s. They dated off and on for a few years and although work separated them for a bit, they reconnected and married in December of 1976. Together, they made Bradenton, FL their forever home of 49 years. Tiny and Rita, through hard work and ambition, were able to travel the U.S. and Europe for many years, then began the cruises. Tiny loved traveling the waters and experiencing new places, meeting new people, some of whom he’s made friends for life. They visited Alaska, Panama Canal, the Bahamas and even took a trip to the North Sea, exploring new to them countries of Norway and Sweden. Those stories of their travels are of epic tales of laughter, joy, and happiness.

Tiny enjoyed many hobbies over the years. He loved the outdoors and you could usually find him fishing for snook or reds, boating, diving or camping on the beaches of Key West. His love of NASCAR took him across the country to various racetracks and even a ride around the Daytona track. His love of working with wood was an exceptional skill; you gave him an idea; he’d make a blueprint in his mind and carefully build it with skill and grace. Many of his works are in the homes of family and friends to this day. He’s won ribbons for his woodworking craftsmanship in county fairs. He’s made countless friends in racing cars in the RC world. Pre-hurricane days, with his legs buried to the calves in the beach sand, you could watch him flying his magnificent kites into figure 8’s, drawing a crowd of sightseers in awe. Before retiring from MCUD, you could find Tiny and Rita at the local hangout, line dancing and of course, making new friends, most of which are considered family today.

Tiny was a man of good character, integrity and honesty. He was always there to lend a helping hand and help those in need. He is loved and will be truly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held on August 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Sarasota National Cemetery 980 State Road 72 (Clark Road) Sarasota, FL

Condolances and memories may be shared at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com