Richard Orion Upole Jr.

Richard Orion Upole Jr., surrounded by family, left us to be with the Lord and our loved ones that have gone before us. His life's journey started in Columbus Ohio July 30th, 1936, and ended in Columbus Ohio August 16th, 2024, at the age of 88, but its how he lived that really shaped who we are and what we will always remember and love.
Early in life, he spent much of his time tending to Grampa Kozsuch's farm in St Clairsville, Ohio, where he learned the value of hard work. After graduating from Kent State with a Geology degree, he went on to start a family and instill in his children the joys of Christianity, music, gardening and the outdoors. Many summers were spent hiking and exploring, seeing many of America's attractions along the way.
He believed in strong neighborly connections as was the case on Atwater Rd in Madison, Ohio. Everyone knew each other, supported each other, and had each other's best interest in mind, even during the friendly-fire shooting of bottle rockets across the yards at each other.
Dad retired from Mitsubishi Fuso after many years of management, enjoying the trips to and from Japan, never forgetting to bring back some local Japanese cultural items for us. Always the consummate business man, he was rarely seen without his buffed and polished Florsheim Wingtips, but knew how to rock cargo shorts and a short-sleeved button-down oxford when it was time to relax.
His singing voice took him from college musicals to church pews to Washington's National Cathedral where he performed with the Exton Chorale. Dad always loved the standard hymns best and would gladly hum or sing along whenever he heard a tune. His love of music included playing the flute and ukulele and carried through with him even until his last days, as he would break out in song or strum his ukulele on a whim.
A lifelong Christian, Dad was a member of the Exton United Methodist Church in Exton PA for over 30 years. He was intimately involved as the Finance Chairmen, leader of both adult Sunday school classes and Bible Studies, on the Missions Committee and in the choir. At the same time, he was also the Finance Chair of the Hispanic Cristo Rey United Methodist Church for many years. Dad was always ready to do anything the church needed, and was willing to give his time and service. He was community and missions driven, and was always one of the first ones to volunteer.
Dad is preceded in death by many family members and is survived in life by many, including his children, Greg Upole, Barbara Herr, Becky Korb and Deb Abner, but all who knew him respected and loved him. He was no nonsense at times, but always had a sarcastic wit and wouldn't spare you from a joke or just a funny face while sticking his tongue out at you and then saying "Whoopee"! He is greatly missed, and will continue to be in our hearts and fond memories until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, if youd like, please donate to the missions fund at Dad's church in his memory. To do this, mail a check with 'Richard Upole - Missions' in the memo line to Exton United Methodist Church, 181 Sharp Lane, Exton PA 19341. Thank you.
A Memorial Service and luncheon is being planned for September 21, 2024 at Union Cemetery, 211 Maple Ave, St Clairsville, Ohio. More information will be provided soon.