Richard L. Okonow, 77, of Boca Raton and Margate, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3 in Florida. The legacy that he left all of his family was to find just a few people and things that you love and then commit to them with 1000 percent of your integrity, energy, passion, and focus. Mr. Okonow wore many hats, known also as Richard, Dick, Honey, Dad, RLO, Arch, and Mr. President. No name, however, brought him more pride or feelings of satisfied accomplishment than Pop. There was no smile bigger or no eyes that sparkled more than when he was watching or hearing about one of his children or grandchildren achieving something, in which, no doubt, one way or another, he had some participation.

Richard's professional career was spent owning and running hotels such as The Breakers Hotel and Colony Resorts and various other properties in Atlantic City with his family in the bygone era when these establishments were owned and run by hardworking families, not corporations. He built, ran and sold to The Bally Corporation the Best Western Hotel on Pacific Avenue. He was known as a consummate family, business and gentle man; never afraid to roll up his sleeves and physically get to work no matter how big or small the effort, never hesitant to dispense advice or money to a worthy individual or cause in need, and never one to shy away from a challenge, no matter how complex.

Amongst his many professional accomplishments, one that he was happy to be involved with as a hotelman, once "all of the dust settled," and frequently told stories of, were his trips around the state in support of the two State of New Jersey Casino Referendums - the last one being successful and leading to casino gaming as we know it today.

Subsequent to his retirement from his hotel work in the mid 1970s, he re-focused his formidable energy stores on making sure each of his children's futures was on secure footing, giving back to his community through efforts at The Jewish Federation and leadership roles in whichever association where he lived, and enjoying any and all professional sports.

In the most recent few years, Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Being a staunch believer and practitioner of turning lemons into lemonade, Richard got involved in Parkinson's organizations where he could channel his experiences and fund raising abilities to the benefit of others.

Richard is survived by his ever-dedicated, adoring and loving wife of 55 years, Charlotte; his proud, respectful, and appreciative children, Sindy and Dr. Mathew Finkelson of Linwood, and Marilyn and Dale Okonow of Needham, Mass., his gifted, beautiful grandchildren, Erica, Jessica, Hannah, and Benjamin; his sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Jack Topkis of Boca Raton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Wednesday, Aug., 6, at Congregation Beth Israel in Northfield. Burial followed at Beth Kehillah Cemetery. Shiva was observed at The Finkelson home. Donations in his memory can be made to The South Palm Beach Chapter of The National Parkinson Foundation, 5030 Champion Blvd, PO Box 434, Boca Raton, FLA 33496. Arrangements were by Roth-Goldsteins' Memorial Chapel, Atlantic City.