Robert L Richards

Robert L. Richards passed away peacefully, age 95, on April 25, 2023. He was born to his late parents Helen and Howard Richards, October 29, 1927 in Massillon, Ohio. Robert (Bob) was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna and daughter Pamela. He is survived by his four children Rick (Barbara) Richards, Tim (Erin) Richards, Susan (Larry) Barth, Nancy VanDeVelde, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

While serving in the Army at Fort Carson, Colorado, Bob took Christmas leave and traveled home by train to Massillon, Ohio and married Donna on December 23, 1946, a marriage that would last for 73 years.

Bob’s commitment to his family, especially his support for education was admirable, as he helped not only his children achieve higher education, but was a founding member of the Stark Technical Institute in Canton, Ohio in 1960. His leadership carried over to his work, where he reached executive level positions throughout his international career in the automotive industry. Hard work for Bob was not only a vocation, but an avocation. His guidance and insights throughout his career brought positive results and growth to many companies, along with encouragement and support for the many people with whom he worked.

From a young age, Bob enjoyed sports of all kinds, which continued to the end of his life. He remained a loyal fan of his hometown football team, the Massillon High School Tigers, where he and both of his sons were former players.

Bob had a special fondness for his hometown church, St. Paul’s, where his parents and siblings attended as he grew up. He carried on his membership of the church, sharing his faith with his five children. Bob’s career took him around the world, but his heart remained with St. Paul’s and the people and places of Massillon throughout his lifetime.

Donations may be made in memory of Robert L. Richards to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, Ohio 44646 or Friendship Village Benevolent Fund, 6000 Riverside Dr., Dublin, Ohio 43017.

Family will hold a private interment at Union Cemetery by Schoedinger Funeral Home Dublin Chapel.