(Albert) Richard Dils, age 85, a long-time resident of Avon Lake, died peacefully at Saint Mary of the Woods on Saturday morning, October 24, 2026, under the loving care of family, the Saint Mary of the Woods nursing team and Suncrest Hospice.
He was born December 28, 1940, in Charleston, WV and attended Parkersburg High School and Ohio University. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, and they moved to Ohio in 1963. He retired from BF Goodrich after over 30 years of service. Richard and Mary were among the founding members of Lakeshore United Methodist Church, and he believed in his Lord and Savior until the end.
Richard and Mary spent a number of years sailing on progressively larger sailboats from Gull Harbor marina in Huron, OH. He had a deep interest in genealogy and left a life-long legacy through his research into his family history.
Richard was a wonderful father and grandfather and loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He and Mary spent 20+ years as “snowbirds” in Navarre Beach, FL where they made lifelong friends and created many wonderful memories. He was most happy when surrounded by family and friends and everyone will remember him for his incredible wit, kindness and generosity.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary (Kesselring), daughter Jackie (Greg) Lynd, Niceville FL, son Keith (Amy Lodge) Dils, Avon Lake OH; grandchildren Connor (Tarryn Michelson) Lynd, Austin TX, Elliott (Sade Farquhar) Dils, New Orleans LA, Lodge (Haley Jordan) Dils, Chicago IL and Elle (Paul Woyat) Dils, Chicago IL, his extended family of Debi Board and many loving nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Bernice, and his brother Maurice Fleming.
Burial will be a private family ceremony in Parkersburg, WV.
Memorials may be made to the Wood County Historical & Preservation Society, www.wchps.org.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.LeavittFuneralHome.com
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