Obituary: Richard Bannister

Richard Dennis Bannister, born Nov. 24, 1943 in Bridgeport, Conn., passed away March 25 at age 72.

Richard was a former professed Brother with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Richard taught at St. Peter's High School in Gloucester, Mass. and was the foreign language department head and teacher of French and Latin.

After leaving the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Richard worked for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Department in the New England region from where he retired.

He was part of the founding group, over 16 years ago, of Dignity/Orlando, an organization for LGBT Catholics. That organization over the years developed into St. Dorothy Catholic Community, an Independent Catholic (not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando) parish of the National Catholic Church of North America - Mary, Mother of Hope Diocese. Richard served as treasurer of both organizations. Richard was also a member of the Friends of Bill W.

Richard was the son of George and Eleanor Bannister. He was predeceased by brother Donnie. He is survived by brothers Lawrence and Peter, both of Port St. Lucie; sister Virginia Blaine of Connecticut; and partner Michael O’Shea of Deltona.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 24, at the Winter Park Wedding Chapel, 216 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Fr. James F. Profirio-Bond will be the principal celebrant. All are welcome to celebrate Richard’s life!