Richard J. Fraley

Richard J. Fraley ObituaryRichard Joseph Fraley, 79, of Willoughby, OH, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 16, 1946, in Utica, NY, Richard grew up in Republic, PA and graduated from Redstone High School in 1964. He later built his life in Northeast Ohio, residing in Willoughby for the past 21 years.
Richard dedicated 40 years of his career to Lincoln Electric, retiring in 2006 as a Production Control Consultant. Retirement didn't slow him down-he continued working with cars, one of his greatest passions. A proud classic car enthusiast, Richard treasured his 1967 GTX Plymouth and his 1966 Corvette Convertible. In his younger days, he could often be found at the Thompson Ohio Dragstrip, where he collected trophies for his racing achievements. Even after racing days were behind him, Richard stayed close to the classic car community, working at Muscle Car Jack's garage and later at Classic Store, where he enjoyed everything from car repairs to selling vintage Mustang parts online.
Golf was another joy in Richard's life. He played regularly with friends, relishing both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie afterward. He also spent many happy hours at Lost Nation Golf Course, where he valued the friendships he made with both players and staff.
Richard was a man who rarely sat still. Whether tinkering in his garage, caring for his yard, fixing something around the house, or helping a friend, he was always at work with his hands and heart. Most of all, Richard was a devoted family man. He took fatherhood seriously, always ready to help his daughters at a moment's notice, and he adored his grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them.
Richard was the beloved husband of 53 years to Gloria Jean Fraley (née Gamon); loving father of Tracy Fraley and Teri Schaefer (Jim); cherished grandfather of Lila Skeldon and Chloe Schaefer; step-grandfather of Logan and Mia Schaefer; dear brother of Daniel (Joanne) Fraley, Sandra (Frank) Gancos, and Donald (Joy) Fraley Jr.; brother-in-law of Mark and Valerie Pelehac; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence touched the lives of so many. We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, and the memories we will cherish forever.
We are gathering to honor Rich's memory on Monday, September 8, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave., Willoughby (on the grounds of the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor, OH, with Fr. Chris Cotone officiating.
All who knew and loved Rich are welcome to come to celebrate his life.
A private burial at Mentor Cemetery will be held at a later date.
The family is grateful for the support and kindness of friends and loved ones during this time.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our .
Richard Joseph Fraley, 79, of Willoughby, OH, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 16, 1946, in Utica, NY, Richard grew up in Republic, PA and graduated from Redstone High School in 1964. He later built his life in Northeast Ohio, residing in Willoughby for the past 21 years.</