KAISER, RICHARD

KAISER, Richard William

87, a 42 year resident of Beavercreek, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Kettering Medical Center, due to complications resulting from COVID-19. He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Della Kaiser, sister Mary Turney, brothers James Kaiser, Robert Kaiser and Thomas Kaiser. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Kaiser; his children, daughter Kara Hill (husband Chris Hill), daughter Kelly Enigk (husband William Enigk), son John Kaiser (wife Marie Kaiser), daughter Tracy Riviello (husband Mel Riviello) and son Andrew Kaiser (wife Pamela Kaiser). Richard is also survived by his grandchildren Jason Richey (mother Kara Hill), Drew Enigk (mother Kelly Enigk), Audrey Kaiser and Grace Kaiser (father John Kaiser), Ashley Riviello, Kelsey Cooney, Brittany Schall and Emily Riviello (mother Tracy Riviello), Jackson Kaiser, Amelia Kaiser, Della Kaiser, Frances Kaiser and Sullivan Kaiser (father Andrew Kaiser); great-grandchildren Brooklyn Riviello (mother Ashley Riviello) and new great-granddaughter due February 21, 2021, (mother Brittany Schall).

When Richard was five years old, his mother Della and brother Thomas died as a result of complications from childbirth. He and his siblings were placed in St. Joseph Orphanage in Dayton, Ohio, where Richard spent the remainder of his childhood, graduating from Chaminade High School in 1952. Upon graduating, he had the opportunity to attend college, but felt it was his duty to enlist in the United States Navy, with his twin brother Robert, to serve the nation during the Korean War. He joined the Navy in 1952, serving for two years on a submarine chaser, as the ship's electrician. Shortly thereafter, he met the woman of his dreams, Joyce Brooks. The evening he met her, he declared that she was the woman he was going to marry, and always a man of his word, they were married on January 14, 1956.

They were a beautiful couple – physically, emotionally and spiritually, and worked as a unified front raising five happy and healthy kids. He worked at Butler Heating and Air Conditioning for over 30 years, starting his career as a salesman and retiring as President in 1998. He loved fixing things (around the house and at friends' and neighbors' houses - he could fix anything), working in the yard, fishing, playing golf, playing cards (and arguing with his brothers and friends about a stupid move and/or cheating), sports (especially watching his kids play) watching gold finch play on his bird feeder, Christmas (especially Christmas lights), classic movies and movie scenes (especially "Anchors Away" when Gene Kelly dances with Jerry the mouse) and poems and songs that moved him. In short, he loved life and being a part of it.

He spent his years in retirement enjoying time with his friends, children and grandchildren – always captivating a small audience with his incredible storytelling. No one ever has or ever will tell a story the way Richard Kaiser told a story. He spent his final years confined to a wheelchair, still as mentally sharp as he had ever been, caring for his beloved wife Joyce, who for many years has been suffering from advanced dementia. He cared for and interacted with her as though she was still the young, vibrant bride he married all those years ago, including her in every conversation that took place, every movie that was watched and every song that was played. Despite his significant physical limitations, he was her primary caregiver through December 14th of this year. He was an extraordinary human being, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, coworker and neighbor. A larger-than-life man, his departure was, is and always will be, unimaginable. Thanks Dad – for everything. We are the family and the individuals we are because of you.

As a result of the ongoing realities of COVID-19, private services will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association in Richard's memory. Please share memories, condolences and stories (again, dad loved stories) for family and friends at

www.tobiasfuneralhome.com

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