On Aug. 18, 2013, Richard “Dick” Frederick Hromadko, 88, died at his home in Indio, Calif., from complications related to lung cancer. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Shirley Anne Smith; his daughter, Gail Hromadko and spouse, Pamela; son, Gary Hromadko and spouse Christine; his sister, Florence Kral and husband Tom.

Born Oct. 1, 1924, at the family home near Edina, Dick graduated from Hopkins High School in 1943, then enlisted in the United States Navy serving until 1946. Dick married Shirley in 1948. He studied at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota School of Business. He joined the Standard Fruit & Steamship Co. of Minneapolis in 1950. In 1952, the couple moved to Virginia, a small town in Minnesota, where he was office manager for Goodyear until joining the State Bank of Virginia as a loan officer. In 1961 he joined First National Bank in Albert Lea, where he was vice president of real estate and installment loans. Dick was an active member of and held office for a variety of community groups, including Rotary Club, Toastmasters, Optimist Club, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Board of Realtors, Albert Lea Country Club and was on the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church.

The couple moved to Indio in 1987. Dick had a true love of music, especially the big bands and swing dancing. When Dick and Shirley moved to Indio, they found a like-minded community with a love of music, and spent many happy hours in the company of friends, laughing, dancing and spinning yarns. Dick loved to write and perform comedy. Anyone who came to his door was likely to be greeted with a one-liner.

He will be remembered with a smile.