Richard Alt

Richard Joseph Alt was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Robert N. Alt and Catherine R. McInerney. He passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona in the company of his three loving sons.

From his earliest days, his enthusiasm for life was unmistakable. As a thespian in high school, he took on leading roles in various productions. He turned his passion for music into becoming a disc jockey, starting his own college radio show, sharing songs and commentary with others. Reflective of his ambition and drive, after completing degrees in Marketing and Economics at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, he rose through prominent roles, first at Procter & Gamble and then at Dial Corporation.

Never one to stand still, Richard became an entrepreneur, co-founding Internet Commerce Systems, Inc. (ICS) during the exhilarating dotcom era, successfully growing and selling the business. After ICS, he generously invested his time and energy into his community – being a member of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Sister Cities, serving as President of his Homeowners Association, mentoring small business owners for SCORE and supporting local water rights in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Richard was a passionate and steadfast champion of his sons, unwavering in his pride and support of them. He involved himself in their lives, going on Boy Scout camping outings, guiding them in their Little League baseball teams, and nurturing their interests and dreams. His love extended to his grandkids, always proud of their achievements and sharing their stories with others.

Richard always strove to live life to the fullest. He loved to travel and explored many countries including Russia during the Cold War. While living in Brussels, Belgium with his family, he immersed himself in local culture by studying French at the CERAN School to fully appreciate the world around him. He loved to entertain, generously sharing culinary pleasures with family and friends and combing through cookbooks to whip up new sauces and dishes. Golfing was also a favorite activity where he enjoyed being outside and being with friends.

Richard is survived by his three sons, whom he shared with his former wife Susan Margaret Buth, Richard Joseph Alt II (Francesca Trainor Alt), Robert John Alt (Marianne Chopp Alt) and Christopher Lawrence Alt (Christiana Moss Alt), his grandchildren (Ellen Rosemary Alt, Gerritt Charles Alt, Harper Quinn Alt, Miette Trainor Alt and Amelie Trainor Alt), his brothers Robert Alt and William Alt, and his sister Nancy Scully. Richard is preceded in death by his brother James Alt.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00am MST at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251.

If you wish to honor Richard with a gift, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix.