Richard Eugene Saporito, 74, of Overland Park, KS passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 24th, 2023. He was born July 3rd, 1949 in Pittsburg, KS, the son of Louis and Josephine (Carpino) Saporito.
He grew up in Camp 42 in Southeast Kansas and later attended and graduated from Columbus Unified High School in 1967. Richard was an avid scholar as he received his Bachelor’s of Science, Masters, and Specialists Degrees from Pittsburg State University. One of his proudest accomplishments was then receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. (And anyone who knew Richard well, would state he LOVED talking about his Razorbacks.)
While accomplishing all of his academic success, Richard had his loving and loyal wife of 52 years supporting him along the way. He married his high school sweetheart Susan (Ferguson) Saporito in 1971 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Columbus, KS.
Richard’s passion for education was quite evident throughout the years. His career path included serving as a vocational rehab counselor through the State of Kansas, as a recruiter at Labette Community College, as an administrator in USD 493, and lastly as Director of Franklin Technology Center and Director of Franklin Tech Adult & Post-Secondary programs and MSSU in Joplin, Missouri. He loved his years spent in education, but was truly a Family Man. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement living closer to his sons in Kansas City, being Papa to his grandkids, attending daily coffee groups with his friends, and traveling with longtime friends and classmates. Life was never boring for Richard and he ALWAYS looked forward to the next day and what it would bring. Friends would say he definitely had the gift of gab and would talk to anyone who would listen. His presence and huge personality will surely be missed.
Survivors include Richard’s wife, Susan; children Jimmy (Michelle) Saporito and Jeremy (Carmen) Saporito; grandchildren, Molly Saporito, Nate Saporito, and Gianni Saporito; and brother Tom Saporito.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Josie Saporito, and siblings, Mary Jean Martin, Frank Saporito, and John Saporito. May they all rest in peace and welcome their son/brother Richard home.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 5th at Ascension Catholic Church in Overland Park, KS. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 6th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS.
The family suggests donations support Cancer Care at The University of Kansas Health System. Donations can be made payable to The University of Kansas Health System and mailed to Fund Development, 11300 Corporate Ave, Suite 240, Mailstop 9241, Lenexa, KS 66219 or visit giving.kansashealthsystem.com. When making a donation online, please select Cancer Care under “What would you like your donation to support”.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Saporito family.
