Richard S. “Dick” KELMER, age 88, formerly of Parma, OH, passed away in Lakeside, OH on Wed., Jan. 14. Dick was born in Toledo, the only child of the late Joseph and Sophie (nee Szypiorski) on May 26, 1926. He married Dorothy Porentas on August 22, 1953. She survives.
Dick graduated from Macomber Vocational High School in 1944. He was a proud veteran, serving with the US Army Air Corp and US Air Force between 1944 and 1952. He worked as an aviation mechanic in Toledo and as an inspector of Minuteman missiles in Denver, CO. He was a quality control specialist with DCASR, the Defense Contract Administration Services Region in Cleveland, OH, until his retirement in 1983.
Throughout his life, Dick was active in sports, especially basketball, baseball, softball, and bowling. A member of St. Bridget of Kildare Catholic Church in Parma since 1964, he served as President of the Holy Name Society and was secretary of the men’s bowling league for many years. He was quick to help family, friends and neighbors with any type of household or auto projects. He was a dedicated blood donor throughout his adult life. In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by two sons, Richard (MaryAnn) of Bloomington, IL and Thomas (Denise) of Broadview Heights and one granddaughter, Grace Kelmer, of St. Joseph, MI.
Mass of Christian Burial: Sat. Jan. 17, 9:30 AM at St. Bridget of Kildare Church. Interment: Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman at a later date. Visitation: Fri. 2-4 & 6-8 PM at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd. Parma (betw. Snow & Ridge).
To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society & the Salvation Army.
Messages of Condolence
So sorry to hear neighbor Mr. Kelmer has passed on. He was a great guy and great friend to us all. So glad he spent afternoons with Mr. Bill after Sal had passed on…to chat, have lunch, spend time together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m sure Bill & Sal met him at the gates with a neighborly greeting. Sincerely, Domenic & Patty Petitti
Our family always considered Dick neighbor, friend and family. There are so many memories of visiting home that include him and Dorothy, Oftentimes they were in their yard and the first to greet us as kids and stuff fell out of the van! We so appreciated the special attention he gave Dad after Mom died. We will keep Dorothy and family close to our hearts at this time. Love, Sue and Ron Gross
Dear Kelmer Family:
I would like to express my most sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of uncle Dick.
In my eyes, uncle Dick was always a very cheerful, warm and friendly guy.
I always enjoyed his company and even though we did not see each other very often I have great memories of him.
I know that his last years were very difficult and I am thankful that he is now at peace.
I send love and best wishes to you all..
Nick Porentas
I worked with Dick many years at DCASR and I think, the Air force before that. He was one of the most respected employees for his cooperative nature, always calm and analytical approach to a problem no matter how complicated, and all with a friendly smile.
Even though I haven’t seen him for a long time I feel a real sense of loss with his passing and I know his family and friends will miss him greatly.
My condolences during this most difficult time. Fred Helper
Dot and Family
My prayers are with you that you will find comfort in your memories of one so loved. I always looked forward to the Christmas notes from Dick and the recent letters from Richard. While miles separated us, Dot and Dick were always in our thoughts. Rest in peace dear cousin Dick!
Barb
Dear Dot and Family,
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Dick. I have many fond memories of him going back to our friendship that started in first grade.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, and may God bring you comfort at this time.
Fondly,
Walt
I feel truly blessed to have been able to take care of Richard this past year. He was very witty at times and I enjoyed watching movies with him in the evening hours at work. I will never forget this past year when he held theadoras hand and gave her a kiss. I am honored to have known such a wonderful man and his great family. My deepest condolences.