Richard D Hobbs

Deacon Richard “Rich” Hobbs fought the good fight, finished the race, and went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2026. Born in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, Rich lived and died dedicated to his Catholic faith, his wife and children, University of Kentucky basketball, and Annie, the poodle mix he fiercely resisted adopting, then loved more than any other. Though a lawyer by trade, Rich walked with The Lord in the manner of Christ’s first earthly friends, the fishermen. He was a loyal companion, a dedicated provider, an astute and humble observer, one who battled the elements of life, and someone who could tell a saucy tale with a twinkle in his eye. Whether in a Hawaiian shirt savoring Jimmy Buffet or in religious vestments serving the Lord, Rich celebrated the good, the true, the beautiful, and the humorous in life. A true southern gentleman, Rich was always attentive to the needs of others and loved sharing resources, wisdom, stories, and of course, a good (occasionally inappropriate) joke. A sentimental soul, opening his generous heart when others were sorrowful, challenged, grieving, or in need of support, Rich was always there to express his empathy to friends or colleagues. His authenticity and humility made the faith accessible to those souls fortunate enough to cross his path in life.

His innate kindness and a really long traffic jam after a Reds game helped Rich connect with his wife Julie. After welcoming three children, they discerned a calling to further serve the Church through the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate. Though most loyal Catholics are blessed to receive five or six sacraments in their lifetime, Deacon Rich was called to be among the seven-sacrament recipients (OK, he was a sacramental hog!).

Rich is survived by a group of loyal friends he helped christen the “3 B’s”—Beads, Beers, and Babes. Beginning in young adulthood, they gathered weekly to pray the rosary together (Beads) and enjoyed each others’ company along with frothy beverages (Beers). As couples formed and married, they continued to pray the rosary together monthly while sharing the joys and challenges of growing families (Babes). With time, improved income, and sophistication, Rich and the group switched the middle “B” (Beer) to his other passion, bourbon. Rich, master of hospitality, never let a mug, wine glass, or a rocks glass run dry. He modeled this good hospitality to his children, who have learned from their father how to properly welcome a guest.

Rich graduated from Mayfield High School, received a BA from Thomas More College, and his·JD from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He worked in legal research for LexisNexis. Rich received his Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Mount St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology, was ordained a permanent deacon and was assigned to St. Mary of the Assumption, Franklin, Ohio. He later worked for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Tribunal. Rich received his Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada and served in two capacities, first as a Judge and later, Defender of the Bond. He is predeceased in death by his father, Charles Hobbs; mother, Amanda Victoria “Vicky” Hobbs; and brother, Dr. Robert Clarence “Bobby” Hobbs. Rich is survived by his wife, Julie (Michael) Hobbs; his children, Robert Hobbs, Nicholas Hobbs, and Elizabeth Hobbs; his brother David (Teresa) Hobbs; numerous nieces and nephews; and many loyal friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 10, 2026 beginning at 10 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption in Springboro, Ohio with a private reception to take place immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Athenaeum of Ohio, 6616 Beechmont Avenue, Mt. Washington, OH 45230.