Richard Keith Sturge

Richard Keith Sturge, age 87, of New Smyrna Beach, passed away December 19, 2024, at home, supported by Sandi, his wife of 37 years. Richard was born July 24, 1937, in Bristol, England to Harold and Frances Reay Sturge.

Richard spent much of his childhood and teenage years learning and enjoying sailing with his father. He followed his passion for the water and embarked on his nautical career by attending and graduating from Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton, England.

Richard began his career on cargo ships before transitioning to cruise ships. His career spanned 41 years. He experienced many unique opportunities and adventures including: sailing the final voyage of the Queen Mary to her permanent site in Los Angeles; supporting naval British defense of the Falkland Islands; and captaining the ship that provided Rest and Relaxation for US troops in Kuwait during Desert Storm, to name a few.

Richard and Sandi came to the New Smyrna Beach area 33 years ago. During his time away from the ship and in retirement, he became a leader of the New Smyrna Beach Sea Scouts, a member of the New Smyrna Museum of History and the Marine Discovery Center, where he was a boat captain offering educational tours of the surrounding area. Richard loved sailing, traveling, and NASCAR, and was proud to become an American citizen in 2006. He loved to read and was a history buff – always the one everyone wanted on their trivia team. He endeared himself to all through his kindness, generosity with his time and talent, and readiness to help someone in need at a moment’s notice.

Survivors include his wife, Sandi; two daughters, Catherine Sturge and Jennifer Walker; two grandchildren, Danielle and Sasha Walker; brothers-in-law, Greg (Kim) Hoover, Rick (Cheri) Hoover, and sisters-in-law, Laurie (David) Heininger, and Diane Palmer. Richard is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Leanne and Darien Hoover; Katie Falcone (Heininger) and Sarah Heininger; Nathan, Nick, and Heather Palmer; and several cousins.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Walker, and brother-in-law, Crist Palmer.

Celebration of Life will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Hidden Lakes, with Chaplain Dave Whitman, Gentiva Hospice, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the New Smyrna Museum of History (120 Sams Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168) or the Marine Discovery Center (520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169).

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