Michael Richard

CUYAHOGA FALLS - After a long and courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his loving family, Michael Richard, 76, is now at peace after passing on December 23, 2015.
Mike was born on September 9, 1939 and was a life-long resident of Cuyahoga Falls, graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School. He then joined the US Army and began his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, retiring after 35 years of service. After retiring, Mike kept busy by working part-time at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home.

In 1961, Mike married Cozy Venet and together, they started what would become the most important priority in their livesa�"their family. As a father, Mike loved taking his 3 daughters ice skating, fishing, and to the drive-ins. His family loved traveling to Santa Barbara to visit his relatives and spend time at the ocean. Mike and Cozy loved music and listening to live bands with their friends, staying active in the CB Club, and traveling.

Those who knew and loved Mike will remember him for his ability to create beauty around him. An avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout, Mike took great pride in making his front yard a place for others to appreciate nature. Cars would often stop to admire and talk to Mike about his workmanship. Friends and family who visited would find Mike feeding squirrels peanuts, nursing injured animals, and working in his garden. His beloved dog Dakota followed him around the yard, and his parrot Woody always watched from his perch on the back deck.

Mike was also a classic car enthusiast and belonged to the Oldsmobile Club of America, the National Antique Oldsmobile Club, and the Northern Ohio Oldsmobile Club. He and Cozy volunteered every week for one of his closest friends Don Sitts at the Riverfront Cruise-In, and he spent time volunteering at the Clifford's Car Museum.

Mike loved his community. He and his wife were involved in the Cuyahoga Falls Bicentennial committee, worked the Oktoberfest for many years, volunteered for the Police Memorial Fund, were active members of the FOPA #31, and received many beautification awards from the city.
Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth, he is survived by his loving wife Cozy of 54 years; daughters Tamarie, Tonia (Neil) Sampson, and Trina (Jim) Pohl; grandchildren Captain Robert (Victoria), Lisa, Sarahbeth, Amber, Ashley, Nathan, Jacob, Ayden, and Zoey; brother Roy (Jeanne); sisters Rose Ogden and Mary Cosman; half siblings Bill, Rusty (Christine), and Nancy (Bill), Rosemary; extended family and many other friends.
Mike's family would like to extend a special thank you to Meg, his hospice nurse, and the doctors and staff at the Cooper Cancer Center for all of the loving care and support that he and his family received.

The family will greet friends from 4 - 8 pm Tuesday, December 29 in the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, where a Memorial Service will be held at 10 am Wednesday, December 30, Rev. James Case officiating. Final resting place Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cuyahoga Falls Cancer Club, PO Box 3244, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 or Cuyahoga Falls-Silver Lake Police Memorial Fund, 2310 2nd St, Cuyahoga Falls 44221. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.

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