Photo courtesy of Chambers Funeral Homes - North Olmsted
North Olmsted, Ohio
Mar 11, 1940 – Oct 26, 2024
RICHARD P. "RICH" NIELSON, age 84, devoted husband of Marianne (nee Yacyshyn), passed way October 26, 2024. Born March 11, 1940 in Cleveland, his early years were spent in many locations in the U.S. and Asia until junior high school when his family settled in Geneva, OH. He attended Geneva High School, Kent State University, and Cleveland State University. Rich was a high school teacher in Washington Court House, worked for Caterpillar Corp. for two years and then returned to education in 1968 at John Marshall H.S. until his retirement in 1995. He enjoyed golf, gardening, photography, and skiing with the Erie Shore Ski Club. Following retirement, he worked many summers at Bob-O-Link golf Course as a starter and later in maintenance. During the winter, he and his wife lived in a golfing community in Florida and enjoyed traveling the U.S. in their motorhome. He was very much involved in golf in OH and FL. Rich and his wife were members of St. Julie Billiart in North Ridgeville, He was the son of the late Kathryn Warner and Donald W. Nielson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marianne, his sister, Arlene Mindermann, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass Saturday, November 2, St. Julie Billiart Church (5500 Lear Nagle Rd., North Ridgeville) at 11:30 A.M. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Private interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Julie's Youth Ministry, 5500 Lear Nagel Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039.
Read MoreMr. Nielsen was my journalism instructor and advisor to the Interpreter when I was one of the editors in the 70’s. He had a big impact on my life. I recently saw him at his Hall of Fame induction and am so glad I had the opportunity to thank him in person. He was a great man and I’m so sad to hear of his passing.
Gail Sockey Rodgers
November 04, 2024 | Medina, OH | Student
My cousin Marianne was blessed with a long life with a great husband. I always looked forward to seeing Marianne & Rich at family events. His presence and smile filled the room with warmth and joy.
Anthony Zerucha
November 03, 2024 | Greenville, NC | Family
Me Nielson, I never did get to thank you for believing in me. You changed my life for the better. John Harb c/o 1986
John Harb
October 31, 2024 | Student
Marianne, Rich truly was one of the great ones. He loved the kids and they loved him. He never had to be asked to help in the building. He intuitively knew what needed to be done and he did it enthusiastically and well. He was also a fabulous friend. We all grieve his loss. Love, Gil
Gil Freilino
October 31, 2024
A very sad time for many, many friends, family, former colleagues, and former students of Mr. Nielson or just "Rich". A man of many talents and interests. He lived his life as many would like to. He could tell and would enjoy hearing a good story or joke which always was punctuated with a hearty laugh. A man of relentless principles and sincere dedication to getting things right! He will be sorely missed by many. RIP Rich you were the best!
Ken Geniusz
October 31, 2024 | Friend
He was a wonderful journalism teacher and generously let me borrow one of his cameras during college when I could not afford one for photojournalism classes. A great teacher and person. RIP. Ann Greco Winston, JMH '73
AnnMarie Winston
October 31, 2024 | La Jolla, CA | Student
I was one of those journalism students who profited from Rich's guidance. I also have had trouble calling him "Rich" as we began socializing in more recent years. On the Interpreter staff in my years, we called him RP and ourselves "RP's Babies": that is always how I think of the time in school with him. He, of course, was not fond of the sobriquet RP. Frank and I have enjoyed having Rich and Marianne over and enjoyed the many other social occasions we have spent with them and the other...
Diane M Palos
October 31, 2024 | Other
2013 anniversary at Morton's Steakhouse
Ken and Marijane Kubach
October 30, 2024 | Rocky River, OH | Friend
Marianne and Rich and the puppies in Florida
Ken and Marijane Kubach
October 30, 2024 | Rocky River, OH | Friend
