Richard Thomas

RICHARD L. THOMAS age 62, beloved husband for 36 years of Anna (nee Medaglia); loving father of the late Ryan Richard Thomas and step-father of Jerry Dozier (wife Christine); devoted papa of Logan; cherished son of Elsie (nee Pieronek) and the late Leonard; dearest brother of Patrick (wife Susan) and Victoria Campbell (husband DeWayne); treasured brother-in-law of Raymond and Gina Medaglia, Freddie Medaglia (Peggy George), Mario and Raya Medaglia and the late Angelina and Richard Anderson and Gino Medaglia; dear nephew, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Richard was born October 6, 1955 and passed away April 8, 2018. He was a resident of Virginia since 1982, but previously lived in Valley View. Richard graduated from Cuyahoga Heights High School in 1973 where he was the captain of the baseball team and played football and track and field. He later attended Ohio State University and received his degree from James Madison University. After college, Richard worked as a corporate recruiter and as a human resources specialist for Norfolk Southern Railway. In 2000, he was inducted to the Cuyahoga Heights Sports Hall of Fame as the state champion of the mile relay. Richard was a member of Toastmasters International. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping and traveling out west. Richard was an avid movie buff and enjoyed Cleveland sports and crime shows. He was very organized, witty, smart and a great problem solver. Richard will be remembered most as a very fun, loving, friendly and outgoing person. His grandson, Logan, was the pride and joy of his life and his favorite pastime. He will be dearly missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of Richard to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 13, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 342 S Chillicothe Rd, Aurora, OH 44202. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Richard at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) THURSDAY 4-8 PM.