Richard Frank Benich

Richard F. Benich, age 85, died June 19, 2020 at Jefferson Healthcare Center. He was born August 10, 1934 in Cleveland, OH, the son of George and Olga (Vlah) Benich.

Richard graduated from Northfield High School in 1953. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Otis Air Force Base near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He met Esther (Lawton) on one of his walks from the base into town when Esther and her best friend were sitting in Esther’s front yard along American Legion Highway. They married October 11, 1959. Richard and Esther were married 54 years until Esther’s death in December 2013.

After leaving the Air Force in 1959, Richard and Esther moved to Dorset, OH. Richard worked at Union Carbide in Ashtabula, OH before starting at GM Lordstown as a Quality Engineer from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the Lordstown UAW. After retirement from GM, Richard was a substitute bus driver for Jefferson Area Schools. He enjoyed farming, making hay, and raising animals. Richard loved dogs and until later years always had a dog on the farm.

Surviving are his sons Richard P. Benich (Heidi) of Willard, OH , Harold Benich (Jennifer) of Conneaut Lake, PA and daughter Ellen Ruolo of Stow, OH, six grandchildren Matthew Benich, Annette Riley (Brad), Kyle Benich (Ashley), Nathan Benich (Courtney), Philip Ruolo, and Michelle Benich, five great-grandchildren, sister Waneeta Iammarino (Alan), and sister-in-law June Lawton (Richard deceased).

A private ceremony has taken place. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may donate to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League 5970 Green Rd. Ashtabula, OH 44004 in his name.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva was in charge of arrangements and are privileged to serve the Richard Benich family.  Express condolences, view obituary or light a candle at fleming-billman.com.

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