Richard Lee Phend

Richard Phend of Chagrin Falls passed away surrounded by family on November 19th, 2025.

     Richard was born June 3, 1933 in Columbia City, Indiana to Heneretta Pauline (Nelson) and Donald Dwight Phend. Richard grew up with his sisters and brother in a creative, caring, loving family. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1951, enrolled briefly at Ball State Teachers College, withdrew and joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. 

     While on leave in 1955 he met the love of his life, Marthene Ann Gift, his bride of sixty-nine years. They married in San Diego, California and returned to Indiana. Richard returned to Ball State using the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1959 with a BA Degree in Education. He took a teaching and coaching position in Solon, Ohio, then moved his growing family to Chagrin Falls in 1961, where they lived until his death.

     Richard lived a very active professional and community life. He had leadership roles in both. He was the co-founder and President of the Solon United Teachers’ Association. Richard was one of the founders of the Chagrin Athletic Association (CAA), of which he was very proud. Always active in sports himself, he taught and coached gymnastics in all the surrounding communities. Richard was active in his church community at Unity Church in Chesterland.

     Richard was preceded on his spiritual return by his loving grandparents, his mother, his father, his sister Patsy Katt (Dave), brother Donald (Shirley), and sister Judy Parkison (Don). Their contributions to the richness and success of Richard’s life have been immense.

     Surviving him are his wife, Marthene, his sister Sally Black, his three children: Richard L. Phend II (Kim), Julia Phend O’Neill (Don Kelly), and Jane Louise Phend (Heidi). Also four grandchildren: Catherine (O’Neill) Urban (Eli), Richard L. Phend III, Michael O’Neill (Wesley) and Leanne O’Neill (Dan). Four great-grandchildren: Leela Louise and Nova Fox Urban and Jean Catalina and Clay Pascal O’Neill. Richard was beloved by many in his extended and blended families, and he was a friend to all.

     In death, Richard’s fondest wish is that you “love one another!” Richard’s life will be celebrated at the Unity Church of Chesterland 7887 Chalet Dr. Chesterland OH 44026 on Saturday, December 13th, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

     To attend the service online please go to https://www.facebook.com/UnityOfChesterland/ or https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterlandUnity/videos.
     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local Food Bank.

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