James V. Rich

James V. Rich, 92, of Euclid, OH passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Slovene Home for the Aged, Cleveland, Ohio.

He was born May 7, 1925 in Meadville, a son of Anthony and Rose Quoresimo Rich.  He married Shirley Graff September 10, 1951 and she preceded him in death April 11, 1965.  He subsequently had been married to the former Patricia Smolinski and she survives.

James was a 1942 graduate of Meadville High School and a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  He attended Cleveland State University Marshall College of Law and was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Tang as a Motor Machinist’s Mate in the Pacific Theater of Operations.  He was employed as a mechanic, worked in industrial sales, and was a building and housing inspector for the City of Euclid, Ohio.

An active member of St. Roberts-St. Williams Roman Catholic Church in Euclid, James enjoyed family time, vegetable gardening, gourmet cooking and was an avid boater.

Survivors include five children, Linda Rich of Lakewood, OH, Debbie Rich Ostrom and her husband Mike of Oro Valley, AZ, Denise Rich Gross, PhD and her husband A.J. of Ravenna, OH, Ron Rich and his wife Rhonda of Mentor, OH, and Jodie Rich of Redondo Beach, CA; nine grandchildren, Justin Tiburski, Vince Ostrom and his husband Huber Barquero, Tim Ostrom and his wife Laura, Melissa Demster and her husband Peter, Natalie Rich, Ian Rich, Colin Rich, Elena Rich, and Ayden Rich; five great-grandchildren, Savannah, Uriah, Gianna, James and Mason; three sisters, Mary Lou Ponzani and her husband Bill of Willowick, OH, Loretta Leffingwell of Meadville, and Phyllis Rappa of Meadville; a brother, Joe Rich and his wife Eleanor of Hemet, CA; a sister-in-law, Wanda Rich of Meadville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Dan Rich; two sisters, Adeline Musone and Jennie Adsit; and three brothers, Louis Rich, Frank Rich, and Carman Rich.

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 1st from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE with a prayer vigil service at 7:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Grace Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville with Fr. Thomas Trocchio as Celebrant.

Interment will be in St. Brigid Cemetery with military honors provided by VFW Post 2006.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.