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Richard Fuher Obituary
Richard was born August 15, 1937, in Pittsburgh, to Anna and Ferdinand Fuher, Jr. He graduated from Loyola High School in Los Angeles, then earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Detroit. He furthered his architecture studies working on a master's degree in Athens, Greece. His architecture career spanned across several firms in Detroit and Los Angeles, where his specialty was large-scale buildings such as hospitals (including the Bon Secours expansion), libraries (including the Wayne State Undergraduate Library), and clinics (including Henry Ford Medical Centers). One of his final projects was converting the Wonder Bread Bakery into the first MotorCity Casino in Detroit. He also won various awards throughout his career.
Richard served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and was involved with the Men of the Sacred Heart. He earned Life Master status in duplicate bridge competitions, loved completing the daily N.Y. Times crossword puzzles with a pen, learned to speak fluent Lebanese Arabic, and enjoyed discussing philosophy, politics, and religion.
Richard was the devoted husband of Leila, and they were looking forward to their 60th wedding anniversary next April. The philanthropy of Richard and Leila was evident in the 1960's when they organized teens from the Grosse Pointes to distribute donation canisters throughout neighborhood businesses and raised a substantial amount of money for the new St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Richard was the beloved father of Christopher (Suzanne) and Michael (Michele); loving grandfather of Jacob and Kenneth and loving step-grandfather of Andrea. He was predeceased by his siblings, Ferdinand III, Marion, and Jean. He also is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Richard generously donated his body to the Wayne State University School of Medicine for research to support tomorrow's doctors. A memorial mass at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Detroit will be scheduled by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church, 11466 Kercheval, Detroit, MI 48214, or https://www.saintmarondetroit.org/donate-online
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susan Vosicky
November 11, 2023
Uncle Rich was my moms little brother. He adored by her and Aunt Jean. I remember many visits to the house on Stratford Avenue and to our homes in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. As a young teen he loved to prank me by hiding and jumping out or pouring ketchup on his hand and yelling in pain to make me think he was injured. I was 9 years younger than him and easy to pull a joke on. Later, in his adult years I loved to hear him sing with my mom and Aunt Jean. " I´m looking over a 4 leaf clover" was a favorite. I always knew he was close to God and a devout Catholic and a mentor to many. God bless and give you everlasting joy Uncle Rich.
Susan Vosicky
November 11, 2023
Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
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Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
Stacey McIntyre
November 2, 2023
So many wonderful memories but the earliest and very fond memories of Uncle Rich are from my childhood when he lived with us for a little while. I remember anticipating the joy I felt upon his return home from work or wherever he went each day and looking up to him with such fascination and wonder. Then, when he traveled to Greece to further his education, he sent my sister and me the most lovely cloth dolls that were dressed in authentic Greek clothing which I still cherish to this day; mine is a shepherd with a wool cape and his staff.
He would also send us post cards from around the world which seemed unimaginable and beyond comprehension at that age in my small little world. I always admired his intellect and proper manner. He seemed so worldly yet always so kind and mild mannered. I loved his laugh. It never changed through the years.
And my next favorite memory was his and Aunt Leila's wedding. It was my first wedding as a child and I shall never forget it! I'd never seen anything so spectacular! And no bride so beautiful! Following the wedding, there was a gathering at her parent's home. I snuck a peek in the room where Aunt Leila had changed out of her gorgeous wedding dress and just admired the beauty of that gown with the pointed edge on the sleeve. She was the most stunning bride...a princess to me.
One Thanksgiving, my favorite as I recall, Mom and I drove up to Michigan to spend it with her beloved brother and family. I never knew Thanksgiving could be calm and somehow, miraculously, dinner appeared on the table after a wonderful afternoon of conversation and laughter.
And in my darkest hour, the days before Mom passed, Uncle Rich was right there by my side and Mom's side, supporting the tough decisions us kids had to make and giving us all his love and devotion at a time when we needed it most. I shall always be grateful beyond measure for his presence and love.
So yes, we were far apart in distance, but never in our hearts and I shall miss him very much, but will always be grateful for the beautiful memories of my beloved Uncle Rich! May he rest in peace.
Pat Verhelle
November 1, 2023
I remember in the late `50s a handsome tall budding architect on the University of Detroit campus becoming quite smitten with a Lebanese beauty...and the rest is history!
Beverley Gardner
October 28, 2023
My favorite memory of Uncle Rich was when Rob and I were newlyweds and he and Aunt Lila would come for an evening. We had dinner and then played a game of Probe. We shared a lot of laughs together.
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