Richard Renna

RENNA, RICHARD J. "DICK" blessed with 92 years of life, died peacefully March 13, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness, The son of Italian immigrants, Fortunato and Generosa (nee Pisano) Renna, he was born in 1920 in St. Louis, the youngest of 7 children. He was a lifetime resident of St. Louis. In San Francisco, in 1945, he met a beautiful Texas gal, Bea Mason. Six weeks later they were married and returned to St Louis. In January of this year they celebrated their 67th anniversary. As a member of the US Navy, Richard served during WWII as a chief petty officer on LST 29 in the Pacific. His accordion went to war with him and he enjoyed playing for his mates. He thought, "It was good for morale and my fellow sailors thought it was great too". He proudly served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National LST Association and attended the annual LST Reunions , enjoying the company of many wonderful people. Richard joined the American Federation of Musicians- St Louis Local 2-197 in 1939 at the age of 19; accordion and keyboard were his instruments. He served the Musicians Union as a board member/treasurer, then as President for 21 years and on the St. Louis Labor Council as a member of the Board of Directors. He was a strong advocate for the musicians during contract negotiations with the St Louis Symphony, the Muny Opera and the Fox Theater. A proud and active citizen of St Louis, he was an enthusiastic volunteer for St. Louis Ambassadors, St. Louis Variety The Children's Charity, Variety Telethon and The United Way; and a supporter of the St. Louis Symphony Association and the St Louis Jazz Club. During his early career he performed at private parties, hotels, clubs and the Chase Hotel before forming his own band. Dick Renna's Orchestra performed for 10 years at the Casa Loma Ballroom (where he showcased celebrities such as Theresa Brewer, Johnny Mathis and Andy Williams) and on the SS Admiral Riverboat summer day trips for 8 years. Many people will remember hearing him play the calliope on the roof of the SS Admiral as it returned to port each afternoon. Throughout his career he was a favorite performer at many country club events and especially at the Missouri Athletic Club. A few special highlights of Dick's career included playing for Bob Hope at the Ambassador Theatre, Johnny Carson's show at Kiel, a political rally for Lyndon Johnson, and a campaign rally for Hubert Humphrey Dick was a loyal and enthusiastic fan of the St. Louis Cardinals - Baseball and Football. He served as the music director of the Football Cardinals and directed his big band for home football games at Busch Stadium. He composed "The Arch March" played during the football games. Many fans will remember that during Cardinal Baseball games he played his accordion with his quartet as they strolled throughout the Stadium between innings. Three special Cardinals events stood out for Dick…Playing at the old Sportsman's Park for the very last game, then playing at the original new Busch Stadium for the 1st opening game in 1966. On August 1 2005, he was honored to be invited to take a farewell ride in the Redbird car during the baseball game in Busch Stadium for the 28th day of the Countdown Clock Promotion before its demolition. He was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. Dick and Bea were members of Sts. John and James Parish, Ferguson from 1954-2000 and St Clement of Rome Catholic Church, Des Peres, MO, since 2000. Mr. Renna's special talents and qualities went beyond his music and performing. He loved people, possessed a warm, charismatic style and had a wonderful sense of humor. His laugh, wit and charm endeared him to all who knew him. A caring, gentle man who could make you happy just talking with him, he was cherished by those who knew him as a trusted and loyal friend, a respected colleague and a man of honor and integrity. The grandchildren and great grandchildren were his special pride and joy. His legacy will be the people whom he loved and who loved him, his music, and the people whose lives he touched in so many ways. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice "Bea" Renna (nee Mason) and is also survived by: Son, Paul (Renee) Renna, Defiance MO and granddaughter Stesha. Daughter, Jolee (Tom) Tacheny, Mankato MN. Grandson Steven (Jennifer) Tacheny, St. Paul MN and great-grandchildren, Delvin, Mason and Nora. Grandson, David (Katie) Tacheny, Burbank CA and great-grandsons, Samuel, Ethan.and William Grandson, Kevin Tacheny, Blowing Rock, NC and great-granddaughter, Grace. Daughter, Ricki (David) Steele, San Jose CA. Step-grandsons, Alan (Bonnie) Steele and Tim (Jaime) Steele and step-great-grandchildren. Jeremy, Adrian, Elena and Daria. Sister-in-law, Rose Renna-Guzzetti, Las Vegas NV, and many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters. Mr. Renna has donated his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine. SERVICES: Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, MO on Thursday April 11, at 2:30 pm. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, St Louis MO (63131) on Friday April 12, at 10 a.m. followed by luncheon and celebration of Dick's life. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ziegenheinfuneralhome.com Memorials are preferred to: Variety The Children's Charity of St. Louis www. VARIETYSTL.ORG or the United Way of Greater St Louis www.STL.UNITEDWAY.ORG. For a news article, please go to Stlbeacon.org. Arrangements by John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home. "Z" April 12, 2013
10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church
1510 Bopp Road, Des Peres, MO 63131