RICHARD STOPER

Richard L. Stoper, 82, of Brunswick, Ohio, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 31, 2014, his 57th wedding anniversary, at Medina Hospital with his family at his side.

He was the beloved husband of Marianne (nee Barber); father of Richard (Debbie) and Susan Naff (Warren); grandfather of Sarah and Ben Stoper, and Greg and Brad Dietrich; dear brother of Dolores Forquer (deceased), Patty Tucker (Mick deceased), Lewis Stoper (DeVanna) and Alan Gray (Elaine), along with many nieces and nephews.

Richard was born in Brownton, West Virginia, on January 30, 1932, to Lewis Stoper and Pauline Tushar. He was a graduate of Philippi High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball. Richard served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 aboard the USS Shields, a destroyer in the 7th Fleet, in the Pacific. On August 31, 1957, Richard married Marianne K. Barber at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Farmington, West Virginia.

Richard received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairmont State College in 1959 and his Master’s degree from Kent State University in 1967. From 1959 to 1973, Richard taught Industrial Arts at Brunswick High School and at Shiloh and Hillside junior high schools in Parma, Ohio.

Richard was known as “Sonny” to his parents, siblings, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He will always be remembered for his “sunny” personality and his kindness to his family and others. He was a dedicated and loving husband, a great father and grandfather, and a devoted teacher to his students. His hobbies included carpentry and raising a garden. However, more than anything else, he enjoyed, together with Marianne, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their school events. He was proud of his granddaughter Sarah who pursued a career in pharmacy. He was proud of his grandsons Greg and Brad, who served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army respectively. He loved traveling throughout Ohio and the country to follow the sport exploits of his grandson Ben.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Medina Hospital for their service in this difficult time.

Friends may join the family for visitation on Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00PM, at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Rd. Brunswick, Ohio 44212. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, Ohio 44212. There will be a one hour visitation prior to Mass at 10:00 AM. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memory Gardens in Brunswick, Ohio.

Richard requested that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Northeast Ohio Chapter, at http://www.jdrfneo.org .