Richard Albert Kohl

He was our catcher. He loved baseball and fast pitch softball. Yogi Berra was the person he copied his mannerisms from, but he was also his family’s catcher. He caught us when we fell and was there for us when we needed a hand or encouraging word. He was there for every play.  He believed in leaving work at the office because family was #1.

Richard Kohl left this world to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Born on September 30, 1933, he lived a full life. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Elizabeth Kohl (nee Davies) on his 18th birthday and they were married for 67 years. “I met a girl in English class, who makes my heart break up like glass.” His composition in Iambic pentameter and for life.

Richard was born in Buffalo, NY and moved to Erie PA, where he met Katherine. They had two children, Douglas Kohl (Kathryn) and Nancy Kohl Schwandt (William); six grandchildren, Krista, Stephanie, Zachary, Erik, Katie and Hannah; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Emma, sister, Janet and brother-in-law, Russ.

The Ohio landscape is dotted with buildings that were the result of his skills as a mechanical engineer. He loved sports, played baseball, fast-pitch softball, tennis, bocce and more. He coached basketball, competitive rifle teams, and officiated swimming in NE Ohio.  He and Katherine loved square dancing, and volunteering at Playhouse Square, Kiwanis and the YMCA.  He loved the Lord and was active in church life including serving as a deacon.

We’re sure today he’s looking for Bob Feller, entreating Rapid Robert to “Pitch-a me, baby.” He caught his family in good times and bad and was an encourager and great role model to many.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, July 27, 2019 at The Well CDC, 647 E. Market St., Akron OH. Family will be receiving friends from 9:00AM – 11:00AM with service at 11:00AM. A buffet lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory  85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333