RICHARD D. HIRZEL

1944 - 2025

RICHARD D. HIRZEL, age 80. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Dennis Hirzel, of North Olmsted, Ohio, age 80, born July 11, 1944. He passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025 due to complications from a stroke. He was a dear son to Herbert (deceased) and Jean Ruth (nee Hiller) (deceased) and brother to Gary. Richard was the beloved husband of Mary Eleen (nee Ross) for 56 years and cherished father to Christopher, Tim (Lisa), Anne Mills (Jim), Amanda Shirey (Michael), Bryan, Zachary (Holly) and Joseph. He was a loving grandfather to Nicholas (Bianka), Chelsea Davis (Shay), Emily Hirzel-Duff (Kaylee), Molly, Mary, Christian Howard, Eric, Michael, Joseph, Julia Mills, Heather Bruner, Noah Mills, Owen, Kelan Shirey, Samantha, Elliana Shirey, Olivia Shirey, Isabelle Mills, Addilynne Shirey and Hannah. He was a great-grandfather to Corina Davis and Sloane.  

Richard graduated from Parma Senior High School in 1962 and Cleveland State University in 1967, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Richard faithfully served in Vietnam, earning several medals of honor including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Overseas Bar and the Purple Heart for being injured when his personnel carrier hit a landmine. After returning home, he worked for Davy McKee, then Babcock and Wilcox until he retired in 2013. He didn’t mind a long commute and thoroughly enjoyed filling this time listening to books. 

If you knew Richard, then you know that he will be remembered for his love and talent for singing. He sported a paisley jacket in a men’s chorus group, The King’s Men. He also toured with the George Stone Singers. He enjoyed being a cantor and singing in the choir at St. Clarence Church. He never missed an opportunity to stretch his vocal chords. We can only imagine he is filling the heavens with his powerful voice, likely one of his favorites, Amazing Grace. Richard was an avid drinker of coffee with flavored creamer and never passed up a cozy recliner. He enjoyed watching television and could recite the times for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, where he could show off his knowledge.     

Throughout the years his children never questioned his love and support. Whether it was helping them improve in a sport or driving long distances to bring something forgotten. He never hesitated to go out of his way to help his kids. He fostered his children’s love of the outdoors by taking them hiking, kite flying at Stinchcomb and on bike adventures. Some other fond memories his children will always remember are their trips to amusement parks where Rich shared his love of roller coasters (especially the Magnum) and the October ritual of seeing how many pumpkins he could hold at once. Fond family vacation memories include Story Book Forest, Madison on the Lake, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, among others.  

Funeral Mass Wednesday, March 19, Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd.) at 11:00 AM. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS TUESDAY 4-7 PM. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for the Disabled American Veterans, a group close to Rich’s heart. You can also contribute directly online at https://help.dav.org.