RICHARD A. FAY

Richard Alan Fay, 86, of Garrettsville, OH, died January 12, 2016. Born to William and Agnes Fay on June 3, 1929, in Cincinnati, OH, he attended Milford High School (Class of '47) where he was active in Glee Club, Drama Club, the Golf Team and Band. Richard attended The Ohio State University (Class of '51) where he studied art and was a member of the Symphonic Choir. At OSU, he met the love of his life Patricia Bixler and they were married in 1950.

They moved to Hiram, OH, where they lived for 50 years before moving to Garrettsville, OH. In Hiram, he served as Boy Scout Master, American Red Cross representative, and Republican Committeeman. He loved music, singing tenor in the Hiram Disciples of Christ Church Choir for 40 years and a Barbershop Quartet for 30 years. His musical interests were vast, but his biggest loves were Big Band jazz and the Ohio State Marching Band.

He had a keen interest in history and culture, which he cultivated while serving as a tour director for Bixler Tours for 40 years, visiting all 50 states, and Canada, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, enriching the lives of all those who toured with him. His most beloved destinations were the Maritimes of Canada and the Canadian Rockies, and his favorite cities were New York City, San Francisco and New Orleans. He kept his hand in the arts, designing beautifully intricate illustrations for commemorative dinner plates for Kettlesprings Kilns for 50 years.

Richard loved sports and played tennis and golf into his 80s. He was a devoted sports fan, attending 22 NCAA basketball tournaments and he was a passionate fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a devoted family man and relished any opportunity to travel with his family to all the places he loved so well. His delight in travel, history, music, sports and books were infectious, giving joy and inspiration to all. People will remember him for all these things, and also for a more elusive, but indelible goodness that made people want to live up to his example.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat; his sister, Joan Rogers (NJ); his daughter Katherine (Tony) Muscari (Ravenna, OH); sons Richard (Freda) Fay (NJ) and Christopher (Claire) (Washington, DC); grandchildren Lorena (Tyson) Vines (Aurora, OH) and Alex Muscari (Ravenna, OH); and great-grandchild Giuliana Vines. He is already sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 11:00AM at Hiram Christian Church 6868 Wakefield Rd, P.O. Box 937, Hiram, OH 44234. In lieu of flowers, any contributions in his name may be made to Hiram Christian Church or Homestretch, Inc. ( www.homestretchva.org ).