Richard “Richie” Yaeger, age 72, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Born and raised in Freehold Township, Richie spent most of his life there before moving to The Villages in 2019 with his beloved wife, Charlene. Together, Richie and Charlene built their log home in Freehold Township, creating a place filled with love, hard work, and memories. They later moved to a horse farm in New Egypt, embracing a life Richie truly loved, before settling into their retirement home in The Villages. Wherever he lived, Richie made friends easily. People were drawn to his magnetic personality, warm spirit, and genuine kindness. To know Richie was truly to love him.

Richie was a proud member of the Heavy and General Laborers’ Local 472 and Local 172. He was known as a hardworking man who valued loyalty, friendship, and living life on his own terms. Richie was also a longtime member of the Freehold Elks, where he proudly served as an officer and was honored as Member of the Year. In addition, he was a member of the New Egypt Elks, continuing his commitment to fellowship and community service.

An avid animal lover, Richie shared his life with many animals over the years, including horses, dogs, cats, and even chickens. His current companions—his three cats, Heidi, Lilypuddy, and Tuxie—were a constant source of comfort and joy to him.

Richie enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: good company, laughter, a cold Coors Light, and Jack Daniels. In retirement, he especially loved cruising around The Villages in his hot rod golf cart, always with a smile and a wave for anyone he passed. Above all, he cherished the people around him and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Yaeger; his sister-in-law, Colleen Halligan; siblings Chuck Yaeger (Pat Yaeger), Mickey Yaeger, and Sue Stephens (Art Stephens); and his nieces and nephews Tina Smilek (Chet Smilek), Tracie Yaeger, Christina Deibert (Ryan Deibert), Chuck Yaeger Jr., Renee Yaeger, and Mike Yaeger, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Richie was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Alice Yaeger; his sister, Alice Voight; his brother, Tom Yaeger; and his niece, Heather Stephens.

There will be no funeral services. Private cremation arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Richie’s memory are invited to make a donation to Planned Pethood Cares, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, dedicated to supporting local pet owners and animal rescues through low-cost care and community outreach. Donations help cover urgent medical needs, veterinary bills, and support their ongoing mission to prevent pet overpopulation. Contributions may be made through their website at plannedpethoodflorida.com, their Facebook page, or through Amazon Smile by selecting their parent organization.

Richie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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