Richard Wayne Montiforte Sr.

Richard Wayne Montiforte Sr., 73, of Biloxi, MS, passed away on May 8, 2025 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born August 28, 1951 in New Orleans, LA Richard was the son of the late Sam and Elaine (Dubaz) Montiforte. 

He is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Glenn and Carol Montiforte and nephew, Christopher (Kiley) Montiforte.

Richard graduated from Biloxi High School in 1970. He joined the Biloxi Fire Department in 1974 and retired with 30 years of service. In his younger days, when not working at the fire station, he worked on his shrimp boats. He developed a love for music at an early age, lying in bed at night listening to his transistor radio. As he got older, he started dancing and loved to jitterbug. Richard was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed speckle trout fishing. He has many fond memories and stories of fishing with family and friends in the Louisiana marsh. He also enjoyed traveling and camping. In the past few years, he has also enjoyed deer hunting in Arkansas. Richard was always ready to volunteer his time to help his family and friends with events, completing projects, cooking, and home repairs.

He was a very giving person and would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.

Richard is survived by his companion, best friend and wife, Gayle Jones; his children, Richard Jr. (Christine), Mandy Brimmer (Charlie); grandchildren, Matthew, Luke, Sophia and Brody; his bonus children, Andy McPhearson (Laura), Jason McPhearson (Jessica); bonus grandchildren, Colten, Lili and Jase; his brothers and sisters in law, Joey and Diane, Sammy, Kurt and Debbie, Dougie and Jaime; many nieces and nephews; and the mother of his children, Martha. 

The family would like to thank the Singing River cancer center staff for their devotion and effort in Richard's care.

Services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 3:00pm at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends may visit at 1:30pm.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in honored to serve the family of Richard Wayne Montiforte.