Richard John Pomeroy, “Dick,” age 89, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2019 with his children at his side. Dick was born in Lakewood Ohio on August 22, 1929 to Tillie (nee Italiener) and John Pomeroy. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Betty H. Pomeroy, “Betsy” (nee Houser). Dick and Betsy wed in 1957 and made their home in Lakewood, North Olmsted, and then Rocky River before retiring to Chagrin Falls. Together, they were the loving parents of three children and devoted grandparents to ten. Dick was a violinist who played in the Lakewood High School orchestra. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1947, and studied business at Fenn College (now known as Cleveland State University). Following graduation, he worked for
Willard Storage Battery
and then the
Nelson Stud Welding
Division of TRW as Manager of Operations Services and Sales Administration.
Dick was an avid and talented gardener who created beautiful and serene spaces. In the 1970’s he started running, regularly running at the Lorain YMCA during lunch breaks. His commitment to fitness and love of nature inspired his children to embrace running, cycling, hiking, skiing, canoeing and the outdoors. He loved music and reading, especially non-fiction biographies, history and politics. He loved classical music, musicals and bluegrass. Dick was a loyal follower of the Cleveland Browns, the Cavs and the Indians. Dick and Betsy were long-time members of
West Shore Unitarian Church
and active patrons of the
Rocky River Public Library
and later, the
Geauga County Bainbridge Public Library
. Dick was a exceptional provider who took care of his family—he gave his children invaluable experiences including music lessons, scouting, fishing, and vacations at
Long Lake, Michigan
. Dick and Betsy enjoyed traveling to Wales, England, Saskatchewan, the Canadian Rockies and the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and often visited Betsy’s childhood home near Jackson, Ohio.
After the passing of his beloved wife Betsy in 2014, Dick found solace drinking coffee with “the guys” at the cafeteria of the Bainbridge Heinen’s, and taking walks at
Frohring Meadows Park
.
Above all, Dick was a kind, gentle and humble man who loved his family and took delight in his children and grandchildren. Emphasis on education, achievement, and adventure led his three children to advanced degrees and careers in science, law and publishing. Dick is survived by his children, Dr. John (Marilyn) Pomeroy of Saskatoon, Canada, Catherine (Tom) Van Horne of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and David (Barbara) Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado. He is survived by grandchildren Christopher (Lakshmi) Tucker of San Francisco, California, Andrew Tucker of Manchester, Connecticut, Emily Pomeroy of Ottawa, Canada, Rhiannon Pomeroy of Canmore, Canada, Caitlyn Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado, Chloe Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado, Rachel Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado, Mollie Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado, Caroline Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado, and Evelyn Pomeroy of Longmont, Colorado. He is also survived by his dear brother, Jacques Pomeroy of Cleveland Heights, Ohio and sister-in-law Emma Houser of Jackson, Ohio.
Much gratitude and thanks to the caring providers of
Cherished Companions
and
Cleveland Clinic Hospice
who helped Dick so much through the final days of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 10:00 am at the Katydid Lodge,
Frohring Meadows Park
, 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge Twp. Breakfast treats, coffee and tea will be served. Then, weather-permitting, all are invited to hike the path in Dick’s honor. The paved path is approximately ¾ of a mile; good walking shoes and warm clothes are suggested. Memorial contributions in Richard Pomeroy’s honor may be made to
Friends of the Bainbridge Library
, 17222 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.