Richard Oremland

Richard Jay Oremland (Richie), 88, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida on May 30th, 2026. Richard was born in Bronx, New York on February 25th,1938, to Benjamin and Rose Oremland where he attended Taft High School.

Richard married Rhea Book Oremland on March 22nd,1964. After marrying Rhea, he went to work for her father, Abraham Book, at the family lumber yard, M. Book & Sons, on 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. After leaving the lumber business, he had a few odd jobs, but then he pursued his dream of working for himself, which led to the creation of Designwise Building Contractors. He took great pride in his work at Designwise Building Contractors for 40 years. 

Throughout his career Richard won numerous awards for new construction and remodel contracting. He was one of the select contractors trusted by the City of Clearwater to build Section 8 housing for the community. His work also included remodeling classrooms, playgrounds, and recreation centers for the Community Pride nonprofit R’ Club, as well as completing projects for Synagogue Beth Shalom during the 1980s. He built the family home he lived in from 1979 to 2013 in Safety Harbor, FL, where he raised his children, and he continued developing numerous commercial properties until retiring and moving to The Villages. 

He enjoyed a lifetime of simple pleasures, including fishing, boating, spending days picnicking at Caladesi Island, and playing billiards. He had a saltwater fish tank both in NY and Florida and loved watching and caring for his fish for many, many years. Above all, he treasured his roles as a father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, and devoted husband.

Richard proudly served his county in the United States Navy (USS Valley Forge -Aircraft Carrier and USS Jonas Ingeram -Aircraft Carrier) from 1956-1959 as an Electrician in the engine room.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Rose Oremland.

Richard is survived by his spouse, Rhea Book Oremland of Clearwater, FL; Children: Jody Ilyse Davidson of Largo, FL; Eric Oremland (April Oremland) of St Peterburg, FL; Michelle Karyn Emlund (John Emlund) of Palm Harbor, FL; Alex Oremland (Jordan Oremland ) of New Port Richey, FL; Grandchildren: Alyssa Davidson, Zoe Davidson, Madison Emlund, and Emmitt Oremland; Great Grandchildren: Carter and Avery Oremland; Siblings: Lois Harnick (widow of Myer Harnick) of New York and Dr. George Oremland (Marlyn Oremland) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Richard also leaves behind many cherished nephews, nieces and cousins.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 3:00pm at Regency Oaks 2751 Regency Oaks Blvd after services. More details to be shared at the conclusion of services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Richard Oremland to Empath Suncoast Hospice by clicking on this link. https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donate/