Richard Michael Chapek, age 66, passed away on February 22, 2024. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Scherer). Dear brother of Karen (Ray) Kashubeck -both deceased, James (Theresa) Chapek, and Tina (Danny) Zuelch; proud uncle of Ray (Dana) Kashubeck, Kim (Chad) Gluss, Chad (Shannon) Kashubeck, Matt (Kaitlin) Zuelch, Meghen Chapek, Chris (Briana) Chapek and great uncle to 12. Richard was an intelligent and thoughtful person who had an innate curiosity about people and many subjects. He was devoted to his wife and appreciated his family and friends. Richard was a dedicated gardener, avid cook, with a lifelong interest in music, art, photography and wine making. He had a long and successful career at NASA Glenn Research Center as a Research Technician and fulfilled every guy’s dream when involved in the microgravity experiments (cool flames) with many prestigious colleagues. Richard was the recipient of the Service Excellence Award in 1992 and so proud of the recognition. Donations may be made in Richard’s name to either St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
