Richard J. Diehl 1946-2022

A native of Youngstown and 1964 graduate of The Rayen School, Richard was a Vietnam veteran and was licensed by the state of Ohio as a funeral director and embalmer for nearly 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Estelle Baskerville Diehl; children, Ingrid (Kevin) Ragland and Aaron Diehl; and a host of other relatives, many wonderful friends, and his extended family of Diehl-Whittaker staff and associates.

A public “walk-through” viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, in the chapel of Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service, 720 E. Long St., Columbus. A celebration of life will begin at noon, Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, where his family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the start of service. The Rev. Dr. Keith A. Troy, pastor, will officiate.

Please Note: In the interest of health and wellness for all involved, those attending in-person on Saturday will be required to show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 upon entry and wear a mask at all times while inside the church. Social distancing protocols will be enforced. If you are feeling ill, experiencing symptoms or have been recently exposed to COVID-19 within the last 15 days, please stay at home and utilize the virtual attendance option via livestream.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a monetary gift in Richard’s memory to his college alma mater, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Md., or Lifeline of Ohio.

“We would like to express sincere appreciation to our loved ones, friends and the community at large for the outpouring of prayers, sympathy, care and concern we have received from around the country since the news of Richard’s death.”

For more information or to sign Richard’s virtual guestbook, please visit his online memorial wall at www.diehl-whittaker.com.

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