Richard S. Stoddard

Richard S. Stoddard (Dick, Ricardo) passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on July 11,1944 to Robert and Dorothy Stoddard. He was affectionately known as Tavi to his family.

Raised in Argentina his family relocated to Valencia, Venezuela where his father managed production plants for Firestone Tire and Rubber. Ricardo graduated high school in Valencia in 1962 and headed to his father's Alma Mater, Ohio State University in Columbus. He graduated in 1966 with a degree in Political Science, having also completed four years of study in ROTC. He was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. and assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He was later promoted to Captain.

Ricardo exited the Army and returned to Ohio State entering the Graduate School in Political Science, his interest in Latin American Land Reform. He began working as Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Political Science Department which began a lifelong career at Ohio State.

In 1982 he accepted a position as Special Assistant to the Vice President in the newly created Office of Research. From there he was recruited to work for the President of the University as Vice President for Government Affairs and Special Assistant to the President of the University serving under four different presidents and interim presidents. He retired from Ohio State after 37 years of service. When asked what he was going to do the first day of his retirement he said, "I'm going to walk my grandchildren to school." And he did. At his retirement celebration he said, “Ohio State gave me so much over my life. My service in the military, my career, friends and colleagues I owe to the University. My children and all my grandchildren were born here at the Ohio State Medical Center. I never viewed it as work but rather I was giving back to an institution that has given me so much."

In 2017 he received the university's Distinguished Service Award recognizing his decades of service and contributions to Ohio State. Fittingly he received the award during spring graduation held in "The Shoe" where he had season tickets and attended every Buckeye home football game (except for his time in the military where he would still always listen to the Buckeyes via shortwave radio).

In 1970 Ricardo met his future wife Vicki at Larry's Bar across from campus. Vicki saw in him a man who was always open and fair minded, respected we are all different, he was free of judgement, smart, witty and a happy man.

Whatever life delivered to him he gave it his all with no complaints.

Ricardo loved Weimaraner and had them for thirty years, showing them in conformation, obedience and field trials. He belonged to four dog clubs. He also belonged to the Crighton Club and the Piscataqua Pioneers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was a founding member of the Marching Fidels at the Short North Doo Dah Parade, entertaining the crowds for 37 years.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim and sister Pat. Also preceded by his dearest friend George M. Brown, a Navy veteran who wrote to Ricardo nearly every week when he was in Panama, saying he knew how much letters from home were important. Ricardo is survived by his loving wife Vicki, wonderful sons Samuel (Katie) and Jake (Laura) of Columbus and their three delightful children Noah, Benjamin and Louisa. Ricardo also survived by loving nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Never to be forgotten is his best friend of 55 years, who visited Ricardo every week even during the hard days, Jonathan Tafel (Sandy Miller) who served as witness to his wedding to Vicki and is godfather to Samuel and Jake.

The Stoddard family extends heartfelt gratitude to the excellent caregivers at Bickford of Worthington, especially Aretha, Myrtle, Jason and activities director Sally for their loving support.

To honor Ricardo's love of his country, university, friends, and family, contributions if you choose can be sent to the Army ROTC Scholarship Fund #313089 at The Ohio State University: https://www.osu.edu. Mailed donation to this fund may be sent to The Ohio State University Foundation, PO Box 736096, Chicago, ILLINOIS 606 73-6096

A Celebration of Life for Ricardo will be held on Sunday August 24th, 2025 from 1 to 4pm at Schoedinger Northwest in Columbus (1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221). All are welcome to attend.