Hubbell Funeral Home
of Belleair, FL, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2021 with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Dick lived 86 incredible years. He was born in Waterford, Ireland on October 8, 1934 to Richard and Mary (Ryan) Widger. He was one of nine children from a prominent racing and horse training legacy. As a teenager, Dick moved to Liverpool, England and trained on the Grand National hunt course at Aintree. Dick competed as a professional steeplechase jockey in seven countries around the world, including the Curragh in his home country of Ireland. In 1960 he came to America and worked as a jockey on racetracks including Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. He had three children, Richard, Mary, and Anne Widger, and four grandchildren, from a prior marriage. In 1970 he met the love of his life, Judy Bartsch, and they married shortly thereafter. Dick and Judy owned Knockeen Farm in Rockleigh, NJ from 1972 to 1994, where they trained countless athletes and bought and sold international hunters and jumpers. Together they have a daughter, Ashleigh Ryan Widger Walls, and two grandchildren, Meryl and Parker Walls. They first retired to Oldwick, NJ to enjoy fox hunting, and ultimately to Florida, for the sunshine and golf courses. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, horsemanship, his countless nights dancing with every lady in the room, and being an incredible Paba to his grandchildren.
Dick's memorial will be held at Hubbell Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 11am eastern. Please visit www.hubbellfuneralhome.com for information pertaining to the service's live-stream.
hubbellfuneralhome.com
727-584-7671
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