Eugene "Gene" Distler

Eugene “Gene” John Distler, age 88 of Richmond Heights passed away peacefully at home on May 22nd under the tender care of his loving daughter Laurie and Hospice of the Western Reserve. 
 
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Virginia “Ginny” (nee Kirchner) - both were graduates of Collinwood High School in June of 1953; loving children Donald (Alisa Hay), Susan Steadman (husband Charles), Laurie Duquette (husband Jon Mark) and Sharon Kukula (husband Robert).  Grandfather of Christine Kelley (husband John), Danielle Luttrull (husband Daniel), Charles Steadman III (wife Kelsey), Jon Michael, Noelle and Tyler Duquette, Bradley (wife Hannah) and Jennifer Kukula (fiancé Jordon Nadolski).  Great grandfather of Zachary, Allyson, Arthur, James, Amalie, Augustine, Esther, Paul and Kennedy Rae. Dear uncle to Richard Distler and Amy Richards. Loving cousin of Linda Clements (son W.C. Clements deceased) and lifelong friend of Janice Herbst (husband George deceased). He is preceded in death by his parents Hans and Amalie (nee Krug) Distler, brother Robert Distler (wife Dolores deceased) and nephew Bob Distler.

Gene was a well-known hair stylist, dating back to 1958 when he opened his first barber shop in Euclid at age 22 after graduating from Moler Barber College. In 1968, Gene opened Distler's Roffler Family Hair Center in Richmond Heights.  Gene was more than a barber, as he was an Ohio Roffler distributor. Gene and his team taught several hundred upcoming hairstylists the "Roffler System of Men’s Hairstyling". He was also an International Guest Platform Artist and traveled extensively.  He was very special to Edmund Roffler and a supporter of the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame. His wife Ginny was an integral part of his career. His son Donald worked alongside his father until Gene retired at age 84. Several family members followed in his footsteps in the hairstyling world. Gene also served as President of the Richmond Heights Kiwanis Club 1974-75.  He was an active member of Collinwood Memories Club and a 15 year past member of Chagrin Lagoons Yacht Club. Gene was an avid boater, who loved to fish and swim and spend time with his large family over the years. Gene also served 8 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves.  

Donations may be made in Gene's memory to The Wounded Warrior Project.

Prayers of Christian Burial Saturday, June 1, 2024 AT THE FUNERAL HOME at 10AM. Burial following at Crown Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Gene at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 3-7 PM.