Obituary of Richard Conrad Imbert

Richard C. Imbert, 82, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023, in Jupiter, Florida. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Susan Imbert; his three beloved children, Peter Imbert (Diane Stavrakoglou); Cindy Tunney (Frank), Elise Sielaw (Greg); and, his ex-wife, Diane Thackray. He is also survived by his six cherished grandchildren, Stephen (Danielle McGloin), Julia, Mark, Alexandra, Diana, and Luke. He was predeceased by his eldest grandchild Jennifer in 2009.

Rick was born in Queens, NY on January 30, 1941 to Patricia Boyer and Henry A. Imbert. The family later moved to Amityville Village, Long Island, where he grew up. Rick was a talented athlete who played football and was a champion wrestler at Amityville High School. After high school, Rick married Diane Thackray and they had three children together- Peter, Cindy and Elise. Fittingly, Rick would eventually coach his son Peter’s wrestling team, at St. John the Baptist High School, leading them to more championships than the team had ever won before.

Professionally, Rick began his career at INA insurance company, shortly thereafter, joining his father-in-law in the family insurance business, in New York City. In the 1970’s, he moved the business, American Professional Agency, to Amityville, Long Island and went on to build American Professional Agency into a highly successful business, employing over 50 people. Additionally, Rick founded and was Chairman of the Board of Polymerix and VP of Long Island Polymers, in 1988. He was a self-made success and one of his favorite responses to anyone telling him “Now, slowdown! Rome wasn’t built in a day!” was “That’s because I wasn’t there!” It was this drive and determination that would lead to Rick being listed as a ‘noteworthy company executive and real estate developer’ by Marquis Who's Who.
 

In 1998, Rick met Susie. The two married in 1999, sharing the love of combined children and grandchildren. Together, they explored the world, by boat, by plane, by train-gathering friends for life, along the way. For over 20 years, Rick and Susie shared a beautiful equestrian estate on Long Island, raising thoroughbred horses in the stables originally built in the 1800’s. And, it was on this same estate that they were married amongst family and friends.

Rick’s passion extended to every aspect of his life. Simply put, he lived an amazing life, and proudly did it ‘his way’, leaving many happy faces in his trail. Beyond enjoying great success in his career, he enjoyed equal success in his hobbies. He was an accomplished yachtsman and served as Commodore of the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club from 1981-1982. And, in addition to boating, Rick loved thoroughbred horse racing. His enthusiasm for horse racing led him to form Windmill Manor Farms, which went on to achieve many racing victories.

Rick was a no-nonsense guy and many people loved him for that; but he was also loved for his tremendous generosity. Rick’s tireless support and service to organizations and causes that were close to his heart was considerable, including serving as the Chairman Bishop's Appeal Committee St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, Amityville, 1985; trustee, 1987-1990; Bishop's Coun of Stewarts, 1990; member of the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle; President’s Advisory Committee; Trustee Long Island Aquarium, Bay Shore, New York, 1997; Deputy Commissioner of Police Amityville Police Department; Trustee, Long Island Maritime Museum, since 2009; member of the New York State Thoroughbred Owners Association, Southward Ho Country Club (West Islip, New York ); Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club (commodore 1981-1982); and, Chub Cay Club, Bahamas. In 2016, Susan and Rick became members of Admiral’s Cove, in Jupiter, FL, and became permanent residents in 2021.

Rick supported many charities, notably the Northwell Health’s Cancer Center which bears his family name, Imbert Cancer Center in Bayshore, NY. Rick and the Imbert Cancer Center have helped innumerable people over the years, leaving behind a legacy that will be recognized and appreciated for generations to come.

Following a Visitation and Prayer Service  at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home in Jupiter, FL on Saturday, August 5, at 1:00PM, the family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home, Inc., 67 Broadway (Rt. 110), Amityville, Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 11, 2023 at 9:30 am in St. Martin of Tours RC Church, Amityville. Cremation will be private.

For on-line condolences, visit www.taylorandmodeen.com and www.powellfh.com