Richard R. Ashburn

We bid earthly farewell to Richard Ashburn, Jr. who departed from this world on June 7th, 2024 at the age of 75.

Richard was born January 10, 1949 in Monrovia, Liberia to Reverend Richard R. Ashburn, Sr.  and Eugene Holmes. After a brief time in Africa, Richard and his family returned to Sandusky Ohio, where he was raised as the oldest sibling of the first family of Second Baptist Church.  He later graduated from Sandusky High School and attended The Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education and was also a member of Kappa Alfa Psi Fraternity. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in School Counseling from The University of Akron. His 30 year professional career was dedicated to teaching elementary school-age children, while never missing a day of work.

His first marriage was to Vivian Diane Patterson and together they had two sons, Aaron Cedric and Joseph Elliott. After Vivian’s death, Richard was remarried to his current wife, Lisa Kaplan Ashburn, and gained a beautiful stepdaughter, Alexandra Kaplan.

His passion for education, sports, reading, self-improvement, fashion, sweets of all kinds, fast cars, and his unwavering spirit will forever be remembered. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughter, Alexandra; sons, Aaron (Courtney) and Joseph (Tiffany); grandchildren, Keira, Olivia, Aaron Jr., and Spencer; sister, Jennifer; brothers, Jacob (Patricia), James Ronald, and Alfred; cousin, Carolyn; and many other family members and friends who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Richard will always be a pillar of strength and a beacon of love. His absence leaves a void in our hearts. A special thanks to Summa Hospice at Barberton Citizens Hospital and all the family who provided unwavering support and care for Richard during his final days.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, a Celebration of Life will be held at 12:15 P.M. on MONDAY June 17th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333. Friends may call from 10am until the start of the service. We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be truly missed.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333