Richard Paul Borage I

Richard Paul Borage passed away on Tuesday January 23, 2024, at the age of 89.  

Proceeded in death by parents Clarence and Mabel, nee Dandridge, Borage and brothers Clarence (Rita) and Glenn (Joan) Borage. Survived by dear brothers Ramon (Mary Ann) Borage and David (Barb) Borage; cherished children Richard “Rick” (Teresa) Borage II, Keith (Julie) Borage, and Karen (the late Terry) Borage-Ward; treasured grandchildren Richard “Rick” (Chrissy) Borage III, Jeremy (Lyndsay) Borage, Rachel (Jonathan) Pratt, Camelia Al-Busaidy, Vance (Savanna) Borage, Elida Borage, and Lydia Borage-Ward; 17 blessed great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  

Born in St. Louis May 26, 1934, Richard attended Cleveland High School. He continued his education at a variety of St. Louis Colleges and was a member of Delta Xi Kappa (Gamma Chapter) from 1952 until his passing. After his schooling, Richard received many certifications including commerce, finance, and psychology.  Richard held multiple careers in his life holding such positions as financial advisor, sales manager, Vice-President and President/CEO at multiple companies. Richard was the youngest sales manager at Ludlow-Saylor Wire cloth Company 1953-1959, Vice-President and Co-CEO at International Oil Burner Company (Intertherm), Vice President and Principal at R. Rowland and Company, and Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith. At one point, he was asked to come out of retirement to be appointed president and CEO of East Alton Savings and Loan, taking control of the company and keeping it from collapse. That organization became East Alton Savings Bank.  He has remained in business with a Current Series 7 license held at Saxony Securities Company.

Richard has been a sports bar owner in St. Louis for many years and considered it his hobby.  Currently owner of Memoreze at JR’s at 5523 Old Lemay Ferry Road, 63129.  Memoreze at JR's Saloon is thought to be the oldest continuous drinking establishment in the area. Dating from 1878 established on the trail (now Old Lemay Ferry Road) leading from the Ferry Port on the Meramec River which was run by Francois Le Mais, the french immigrant whose name is responsible for the Lemay Ferry spelling.  The ferry carried passengers and wagons bringing St. Louis bound farmers with their produce to sell and folks wanting to shop and visit the big city.

Outside of his work and family, Richard will be remembered for his multitude of hobbies and interests. He loved sports from participating in games of darts, golfing, bowling, and hunting to by standing at St. Louis sporting events for teams like the Cardinals and Rams. Richard will also be remembered as a very creative and resourceful tinkerer and an avid gardener. He cared for and enjoyed both his flower and vegetable gardens and seemed to always be repotting something. He was able to fix most anything and everyone knew to give it to Richard (dad, grandpa, great-grandpa) and he would fix it. Richard also enjoyed traveling from Vegas, Colorado, and Florida to destinations across the pond in Europe. He held limited working proficiency in the French and German languages and elementary proficiency in the Italian language.

But what Richard will be remembered for most of all was his love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished any and all time he was able to spend with them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to his great-grandson, Eli Pratt’s, GoFundMe  

Richard’s funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Mary, Mother of the Church (5901 Kerth Road) at 12 noon. 

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Memoreze at JR’s following service. 5523 Old Lemay Ferry Road