Richard A. Haas

1935 - 2020

LIMA — Richard A. Haas, age 85, peacefully passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 12:24 a.m., at Mercy-Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born May 3, 1935 in Warren, OH, to Francis and Mabel (Nelson) Haas who preceded him in death. On August 18, 1962 he married Geraldine "Gerry" (Stanford) Haas who survives. They had a beautiful marriage for 58 years and he was the soul mate of her life. His morning salutation to Gerry was "Has anyone told you that they love you today?" and he then expressed that love in countless ways.

Also surviving are their children: Richard J. (Sheila) Haas of Lima and Nancy (Scott) Siatkosky of Elida; grandchildren: Delaney (Justin) Hendershot of Wadsworth, OH, Daniel Siatkosky and Katherine "Kitt" Siatkosky both of Elida, Molly Haas of Lima, and Benjamin Siatkosky of Elida; his siblings: Paul (Dinah Wakeford) Haas of Bowling Green, OH, Thomas (Barbara) Haas of Liberty Township, OH, and Mary Beth (David) Kay of Jupiter, FL.

He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Warren, OH in 1953, attended John Carroll University, studied at the Athenaeum of Ohio Mt. St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology, then attended Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. He received his Bachelor's degree in Education from Youngstown State University, attended Kent State University, and received his Master's Degree in Psychology from Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA. Richard was the first school psychologist of Shawnee School System for several years and then for Lima City Schools for 23 years. After retirement he did private practice at Applied Psychological Services. He started performing magic when he was seven years of age and continued to perfect his craft, delighting and amazing until the very end. In recognition of his service and contributions to the International Brotherhood of Magicians for over 60 years he was presented with the coveted "Order of Merlin-Excelsior" award and designation. He was co-founder of the Northwest Ohio Magician's Association. He was a seventeen year member on the Board of Directors for the founding of Marimor School and a charter member of Lima Serra Club. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was the 1982 recipient of the prestigious Clyde V. Bartlett Distinguished Service Award of the Ohio School Psychologists Association. He was a devout Catholic and an Extraordinary Eucharist Minister, lector, and member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He was the best Dad ever, an accomplished pun master, and reveled in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Dick and Gerry traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, and Canada where they enjoyed the Shakespeare and Shaw Festivals for 35 years.

His Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with Fr. Kent Kaufman officiating and Fr. Steve Blum concelebrating. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee Chapel, and again on Thursday, from 10:00 until the time of Mass in the church. We understand COVID-19 has changed how care and concern can be expressed, please stay safe and healthy as we celebrate his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Food for the Poor, Inc. 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or to Heartbeat of Lima 3225 W Elm St B, Lima, OH 45805.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.