Richard Funk

Richard Funk, 77, of Newport, RI, passed away in the Heatherwood Nursing Home on May 18, 2025.

Born in Topeka, Kansas, Richard was the son of the late Richard and Shirley (Anderson) Funk.

Richard showed a talent for music at a young age. He attended the Princeton Boychoir School during his junior high years before returning to Topeka for high school. Richard earned a BA Degree in Music from Brown University and completed work on a Doctorate from the Indiana University School of Music.

Richard was known for his exceptional talent and unwavering devotion to his craft as a musician. He not only sang and played music but composed music as well. He served in various capacities with the choral programs of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Thomas Fifth Ave. in New York. While there he composed several anthems to be used in the Mass. Among them are O SACRUM CONVIVIUM and BEATI QUORUM VIA. Richard was a member of St. Stephen's - Providence and, after relocating to Newport, of St. John the Evangelist - Newport. His music enriched the lives of many who cherish worship "in the beauty of holiness."

He will be remembered not only for his musical contributions but also for his dedication to his church and to sacred music. In his later years, Richard continued to support, from his very meagre means, both his parish and the Choir School of Newport County.

Richard is survived by his sister, Annalee Funk, of Tucson, AZ and by his friend, Deacon Buck Close, of Little Compton, RI.

Funeral Services will be held on May 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM, in St. John The Evangelist Church, Washington & Willow Street, Newport.

Burial will follow in Middletown Four Corners Cemetery, Turner and Wyatt Road, Middletown.