Obituary of Richard Paul Hawkins

HAWKINS, Richard Paul, “Dick”, 86, of Land O’ Lakes, Fla. passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012. He was born in Detroit, MI to Dr. Wilfred and Helen Hawkins. Dick moved with his wife Barbara to Tampa in 1956 and started his business career and eventually owned United Plumbing and Mechanical Contracting of Central Florida and several other businesses. He worked in the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years and his companies were involved in several significant construction projects including the terminal facilities at Tampa International Airport, the Tampa Tribune Building, Hillsborough County Water Works, the former Schlitz Brewery, the Reynolds Aluminum facility, and facilities with the Tampa Electric Company. He was a longtime member with his wife Barbara of First United Methodist Church in downtown Tampa. Later he was a member of Van Dyke Methodist in Lutz. He then became a member of Keystone Community Church also in Lutz which he dearly loved. During his career he was elected President of the Plumbing Association of Hillsborough County. He is preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Wilfred “Bill” Hawkins, Jr. and his sister, Harriet G. “Peggy” Manley. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; son, Scott G. Hawkins and his wife, Lisa of Palm Beach Gardens; daughter, Susan Milani and her husband, Anthony of Coto De Caza, CA; four grandchildren, Allison VanDenend and her husband, Andreas; Nicole, Stephen and Lauren Milani. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3rd at the Keystone Community Church in Lutz. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening November 2nd at Loyless Funeral Home. Donations may be made in his memory to HPH Hospice or his church.