Richard Alan Fox

Richard A. Fox, age 70 passed away on September 3, 2016. Born October 15, 1945 in Oak Park, Illinois, Rich attended Eastern Illinois University, receiving a BSB in Marketing, and he received an MS in Marketing from Ohio University.
Rich worked for more than 30 years in healthcare marketing and marketing communications in the greater Philadelphia area. His career began with the Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, where he was instrumental in transitioning the hospital from a community-based facility to a regional referral center in four major specialties serving the entire state of New Jersey. He also served on a senior marketing team of a multi-hospital system and served as corporate director of a marketing communications department for a health center serving a seven-county region.
During his career and afterwards, Rich received more than 25 professional achievement awards from such organizations as the American Hospital Association, the New Jersey Hospital Association and the Public Relations Society of America. He also was involved in and held leadership positions in many civic and community organizations. Most recently, in 2015, Rich received a School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Illinois University.
Rich joined the Naval Reserves as an enlisted member and served several years on active duty at an air station in California. He received an officer’s commission in public affairs and retired as a Commander after 22 years of service.
Rich moved to Jacksonville in 2009 and became an active member of San Jose Episcopal Church. He dedicated much time to his church family, including serving as a Stephen Minister and a Lay Eucharistic Visitor.
As expressed so aptly by long-time close friend Dale Christensen, Rich will be best remembered by how he treated others. He was a gentle soul, witty and kind, with an unconditional acceptance of those around him. Rich understood the importance of helping others, and whether it was a family member, colleague, neighbor, fellow church member or stranger, he had a way of making those he came in contact with feel important and loved with his unfailing attention and support.
Rich was a generous host, faithful neighbor, superb Stephen Minister, devoted church member and consummate friend. He lived his life knowing that every day was a gift, and he was grateful for each moment that he had. His strength and dignity was most evident during his gracious handling of his lengthy illness. Rich will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the countless people he helped, each one of whom has been pricelessly enriched by having Rich in their lives.
A memorial service for Rich will take place at San Jose Episcopal Church on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at 11 a.m. An Honorable Military Burial at Sea will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to San Jose Episcopal Church.