Richard E. Dooley

It is with unfathomable grief and immeasurable sadness that the family of Richard Edwin Dooley announces his passing on April 19, 2020 at 9:15 am after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease. We have lost our North Star, our guiding force, our hero, our support, and our foundation. Born in Cincinnati in 1937, he was a loving son to Edwin Charles & Catherine (nee Donovan), and older brother to siblings, Thomas, Charles, Eileen, Patrick, and Mary. A devoted husband of 59 years to his wife Carolyn (nee Hehn) and the gold standard father to his children, Shawn (America), Colleen (Eric), Heather (Darrin), Shannon (Richard), and Carrie (Joe). He was Papa to his grandchildren, Conner & Maria, Madison, Grayson & Whitney, Caroline & Shane, Johnathan, and Zachary, Alex & Josh.

Our father was a larger than life figure to everyone who was lucky to know him. Famous for his wit, constant smile, Irish pride, generous nature, and giving heart. He truly never met a stranger.

A man of faith and community, an avid gardener of daylilies, a talented craftsman, and lover of all things Christmas. He found joy in doing for others, supported causes he believed in, and lived his life as a man of his word. He was a veteran of the United States Naval Reserve, a successful businessman and contractor, a long standing member of the Cincinnati Executive Association, past President of the Fairfield Rotary, and board member of Mercy Hospital, to name just a few.

We want to thank the many doctors and nurses who went above and beyond with their care and compassion, especially Dr. Arun Sendhilnathan, with Kettering Cancer Care Fort Hamilton, for giving us those additional months. We can never put into words what a God-send you were to all of us. To his favorite phlebotomist, Roberta, at Fresenius Kidney Care Fairfield for making dialysis bearable.

Light a candle and say a prayer for all of those he left behind. Then raise a glass and toast to a true one-of-a-kind soul. He left his mark but he will be grievously missed. The world will not see his like again.

An Irish wake will be held as soon as hugging is again allowed. If you would like further information on the date, please send contact information to richarddooleyclan@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in his honor to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, specifically T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia at the following link: https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate OR The Kettering Medical Center Foundation via their website.

The road has risen up to meet him, the wind is at his back, and the sun is shining bright upon his face. 82 years wasn’t nearly long enough. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield is serving the family. www.websterfuneralhomes.com