Richard was born July 4, 1941, to Donald and Vivian Richey. He grew up working on the Richey Celery Farm with his father, Don and uncle, Raymond. He attended Ashland High School then went on to complete his undergraduate work at Baldwin Wallace University ultimately earning his master’s degree in mathematics at Louisiana State University. On June 6, 1965, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Sandra L Shank, to whom he remained a faithful and loving husband until his death.
Richard taught Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus at Malabar High School from 1964-1991. He took on numerous other duties at Malabar including leading the Audio-Visual department, Math Club, Math Tutor Room, and Stage Crew for the auditorium which hosted several noteworthy events in the community including the Miss Ohio Pageant. After retiring from Mansfield City Schools, Richard went on to teach at Ashland High School from 2001-2012. While teaching in Ashland the students voted him Teacher of the Year, an honor in which he took great pride. Richard and his wife, Sandy, also opened the Merry-Go-Round Concession Stand, affectionately known in the community as “The Red Barn” in Brookside Park, an establishment which, though now under new ownership, has remained a local favorite.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Vivian Richey; his brother, Dale (Pat) Richey; his sister-in-law, Becky Shank; and niece, Beth Shank. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Richey; his daughter, Kim (Tim) Daniels, his son, Jeff (Brandi) Richey; six grandchildren and their spouses/partners, Aaron and Maggie Richey, Emmalea and Justin Brinker, Nathan and Julia Richey, Daniel Kettering and Hailey Burger, Davon Johnson, and Ally Richey; and ten great-grandchildren Ella, Ava, Kaleb, Harper, Maddy, Jamie, Lily, Luke, Maverick, and Axel.
In his heart of hearts Richard Richey was a teacher. He taught mathematics by profession and life by example. He lived his life in quiet service to his family and his students. In the classroom or out, a lesson from dad meant high standards and hard work, but he never asked more than he was willing to give. He was never too busy to help, patiently helping others find their answers instead of just giving it to them. Dad was a strong and stubborn man who would not compromise his principles. He would push others to be the best they could possibly be, all the while joking and laughing as he nudged them in the right direction. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a guide stone to his students and family even after they had grown into adulthood. He was one of the best men that most of us have ever known.
Friends and family will gather Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Friday, January 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. A funeral service will follow Friday at 12:00 PM. Wappner Funeral Directors-Ashland is honored to serve the Richey family.
