Richard Lee Wolford

Richard Lee Wolford, 88, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Hospice House in Poland, Ohio, surrounded by family.

He was born on April 24, 1932 to the late John M. and Elsie (Mullet) Wolford.

Richard was a 1950 graduate of Greenford High School. After graduation, he attended Youngstown State University where he received his degree in Business Management. Richard lived a very full and wonderful life.  Being a hard worker was ingrained in him as a young boy and he carried that with him throughout his life. As a young man he began working at A & P Grocery and worked his way from stock boy up to Manager. He was employed as a Manager at Stambaugh’s Hardware in Boardman, Canton, and Alliance. It was during his time at A & P that he was called to military service in the U. S. Army, and served in the Korean conflict. During the 1950’s and 60’s, Richard spent many hours at Quaker City Raceway in Salem. It was during this time that he raced his 1939 Coop and later raced a 1970 Chevell that had been a family project. Richard was known to all as a “mow it all”. He spent many hours working around the house and on the surrounding property, to make an inviting place for family and friends to get together. He took great pride in his home and it showed in all he did to make everything look beautiful. His strong work ethic didn’t stop with retirement. Richard went on to become one of the founders of the “Friday Guys” at Greenford Christian Church, a group of retirees that volunteer their time to help maintain the church facilities. At various times, Richard was also a Deacon, Elder, and Treasurer, as well as serving on several building committees at the church. Richard liked to play just as hard as he worked and believed in sharing his gifts and talents, especially with the young. He coached Little League and was involved with his children in 4-H. He taught bow hunting to children as well. Richard was an avid hunter, both with a gun and bow. His enjoyment of hunting took him on many adventures to southern Ohio and even Colorado. In the late 90’s Richard and his wife, Marian became “Snow Birds”, and began spending their winters in Florida. They shared many great adventures Rv-ing all around the country. Some of those adventures led them to Alaska, New Mexico, and the New England states to name a few. Richard believed in the mantra “family helping families”. If there was a need; you were there. If there was a gift or talent that you could share; it needed to be shared. Richard lived his life to the fullest and those that knew him are all the richer for having known him.

He is survived by his wife Marian, five children; Daniel Richard (Dena) Wolford of Lisbon, Gary (Lei Lani) Wolford, Jeffrey Lynn (Bobbi) Wolford of New Middletown, Scott Eric (Sharon) Wolford of Columbiana, and Mary Jane (Matt Thomas) Wolford of Albuquerque, New Mexico, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, two siblings; Margaret (Tom) Menning of Salem and Glenn (Sue) Wolford of Canfield.

In addition to this parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings; Shirley Kasza, Virginia Slavin, Betty Bush, and an infant brother Leonard.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Greenford Christian Church at 1 PM with Rev. John Bush officiating, with Calling Hours from 11 AM to 1 PM. The Salem Honor Guard will be rendering honors at 1 PM at the church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem.

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