Richard Gaspar

Richard Allen Gaspar, 87, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away on July 20, 2026. Born on July 28, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Richard lived a full and accomplished life defined by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and strong character. He was the beloved husband of Joan Gaspar, née Vish, whom he married in 1962. Richard and Joan recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, a lasting testament to their love, commitment, and partnership.

Richard was a devoted father to Stephanie Woeste of Wilmington, North Carolina; Jennifer Casey (TJ) of Mason, Ohio; and Geoffrey Gaspar (Christina) Centerville, Ohio. He was a proud grandfather to Adam (Danielle), Elizabeth “Lizzy,” Amanda, Ori, Nova, and Quinn, great-grandfather to Callahan, brother-in-law to Connie Knueve, Larry Vish and Keith Vish (Diana) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Emily Casey and by his parents, Louis and Blanche Gaspar, brother Robert Gaspar (Jean), and sister Phyllis Everett (Roy).

Richard was a lifelong learner, accomplished mechanical engineer, and respected business leader. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron, and an MBA from Xavier University. Over a 45-year career, he rose to become President of AIDA Dayton Technologies, a major manufacturer of industrial stamping presses. He held executive leadership roles with Harris Corporation and Dayton Reliable Tool. His work took him around the world, and his engineering expertise led to numerous innovations and patents. He was widely regarded as one of the leading experts in the printing press industry.

Richard approached life with discipline, honesty, and quiet determination. He was an avid tennis player, taking up the game with Joan in their 40s, and he always enjoyed the challenge of a good golf course. In the fall, Rich would never miss a Cleveland Browns game (TV or radio) wearing his favorite Browns gear. A man of deep Catholic faith, Richard and Joan have been members of the Church of the Incarnation for nearly 50 years.

Richard will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones, who will remember him for his dry cutting wit, honest straight talk, and keeping his family at the center of his life.

We will gather on what would have been Richard’s 88th Birthday on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. We welcome friends to honor and remember him from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, Ohio followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM at the Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, Ohio. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, 171 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Case Fund for the Case School of Engineering. Condolences may be sent to the family through Tobias Funeral Home at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/ohio/dayton/tobias-funeral-home-far-hills-chapel/6930.