Richard L. Wolford 1932-2020

He was born 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 War.

During the 1950s and ’60s, Richard spent many hours at Quaker City Raceway in Salem. It was during this time that he raced his 1939 Coupe and later raced a 1970 Chevelle 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 who 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 ’90s, Richard and his wife, Marian, became “snowbirds” 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, N.M.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Margaret (Tom) Menning of Salem and Glenn (Sue) Wolford of Canfield.

In addition to his 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 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at Greenford Christian Church, with the Rev. John Bush officiating, with calling hours from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. The Salem Honor Guard will be rendering honors at 1 p.m. at the church.

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

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