Richard “Dick” Zechman

Richard “Dick” Zechman passed peacefully at age 84, on June 1, 2020.  Born on March 3, 1936 in Cleveland, OH to Sylvester and Eleanor Zechman. Richard was raised in Cleveland, OH. As of recent, he lived at Arden Courts of Bath for Alzheimer’s care. Dick graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1955. He started work for Ohio Bell right after graduation, at age 19. He retired from there 35 years later. While in the bell system he was promoted from lineman to foreman and eventually instructor. Dick built the training program and helped to design the training center in North Royalton. (He named all the streets after his children.)

Dick would easily tell you his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He worked hard throughout his life to provide for his seven children. He was kind, generous, charismatic, and loving. He had a great sense of humor and a passion for life’s experiences. He loved people. He loved to listen to their stories. He always knew what to say to people, and when.

Dick loved to travel, especially in his RV. He was instrumental in growing and leading the Lakewood Campers Club for more than 50 years. Decades of members will recollect Dick stopping by their campsite to say good morning, roasting corn, and telling stories by the campfire. He made everyone feel welcome.

Never a guy to sit still for more than a moment, Dick loved to tinker in the yard, listen to live music, go to the movies, and dine out. He was fan of the Cleveland Browns, Red Skelton, and John Wayne, to name a few. Dick was well-known and loved. He always “knew a guy” for almost any job. He was often approached by a familiar face at the store, on the street or even on vacation in Florida.

With his signature cowboy hat, black leather boots, bomber jacket and classic handlebar moustache, Dick was an unmistakable presence. There are no words to say how much he meant as a father, grandfather, brother, friend, and neighbor.  He will be greatly missed by so many.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Eleanor (Zechman) Owens, his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Dolores (Kluska) Zechman and his first grandchild Ryan Zechman. He is survived by his children, David (Rhonda) Zechman, Debra (Tony) Zechman-Cross, Diana Zavala, Danielle (Bill) Locke, Sean (Nicole) Zechman, Denise (Brian) Robinson, and Chris Zechman; his siblings, Cheryl Zechman, Bob (Madeline) Zechman and Maureen (Fred) Hess; his grandchildren, Audra (Zach) Felton, Alyssa (Scott) Tuck, Miles Cross, Matt Cross, Mia Cross, Morgan Cross, Tiffany Zavala, Adam Robinson, Emma Robinson, Alex Robinson, Ethan Locke, Spencer Zechman, and Wesley Zechman; great grandchildren, Jayden and Skylar Zavala, Everly Rose Tuck, and Brooke Felton.

Special thanks to the staff at Arden Courts, Akron General Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center for their kind and compassionate care.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family online at

https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/

. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or the ASPCA at aspca.org.

A Celebration of Life for Richard L. Zechman will be held on Sunday, July 12th. The event is open-house style from 3 to 6pm. A tribute will begin at 4pm. We welcome your stories and fond memories at this time.

We have reserved the Rosenthall Ballroom and adjacent patio. Plenty of space for social distancing. Masks are not required; please wear one to your comfort. Passed appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

IF POSSIBLE, WE WOULD APPRECIATE RSVPs SO WE HAVE A COUNT FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGES.

Celebration of Life for Richard L. Zechman

Heritage Cremation Society

330.875.5770