John Richard Lensis

John Richard (“Dick”) Lensis, age 89, of Avon Park, FL, passed away on December 31, 2024. It has pleased almighty God to summon his soul from this life to Himself in Heaven. He peacefully joined His Lord and Savior on New Year’s Eve with his family at his side.  He was born on December 5, 1935, in Denver, Colorado, he was the son of Anna Lencsis.

In 1954, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving until his honorable discharge in 1957 and was a combat veteran of the Korean War. Shortly after leaving the USMC on May 18, 1957, he married Claire M. Lensis, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Dick pursued his education at Rider College from 1956 to 1964, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Industrial Management. He also obtained his airplane pilot's license in 1962, showcasing his passion for aviation.

His professional career spanned many years as a corporate executive, with his last position at Hubble in St. Louis, Missouri, until his retirement in 1990 at the age of 55. In 1996, he became a resident of Florida, where he continued to enjoy retirement life In Highlands Ridge.

A dedicated member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Sebring, Florida, Dick was known for his love of competitive trap and skeet shooting, participating in competitions across the country. His skills as an accomplished pilot were also a source of pride and joy. Dick was also well known for his many editorials in the Highlands News.

He is survived by his beloved children: son Richard, wife Stacy Strickland Lensis and their son Daniel of Manassas VA, son Jonathan Lensis of Pawcatuck, Ct, and daughter Lauren Lensis Placek of Delmar, NY, husband Dr. Ben Placek, PhD; Son Tom, wife Donna Lensis of Wilmington NC, daughter Stephanie, husband Chris Biller of Glen Allen, VA; son Matthew and wife Brittney of Lorton, Va, stepson Adam Pritchett of Springfield, VA; and daughter Julie Lensis of Wilmington, NC; daughter Jackie, husband Jerry Dunphy and son Alex of Wilmington NC; and step grandchildren Jason and Heather Dunphy of Manassas, VA; Daughter Mary, husband Rick Morenzoni of Wilmington NC, and; Daughter Patty, husband Albert “AJ” Hemphill of Surf City, NC; Additionally, Dick and Claire were blessed with two great grandchildren: Eleanor and Otto Placek daughter and son of Richard’s daughter Lauren Lensis and Dr. Ben Placek Ph.D. of Delmar, NY.

Dick will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his adventurous spirit, and his contributions to both his profession and church.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 10:00am at St Catherine’s Catholic Church, Sebring, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Catherine’s Catholic Church and School. Internment, with full military honors, will be at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville NC.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL  33870
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com