Richard J. Katona

Richard J. “Rich” Katona, age 86 of Concord Twp., passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 20, 2023 with his family by his side. Born January 13, 1937 in Duquesne, PA, his family moved to Fairport Harbor where he attended Harding High. A stellar athlete, he excelled in many sports, especially baseball, basketball and football. He accepted a scholarship to play baseball at Kent State. Rich enrolled in the United States Army where he was trained as a medic and dental lab technician. He was a man of great faith, a devoted member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society, and volunteered as a PSR teacher. Rich helped others see God’s love by the way he lived his life. A devoted husband and father, he always put family first. He was beacon of light, choosing to find the positive in every situation and was always the first to forgive. Rich was a man of true honor, demonstrated through his kindness, patience, humility, generosity and empathy towards everyone. Says sister, Dee, “The kindest man I knew. He would give his last dime to help any stranger.” While family was his top priority, he had a passion for his career as a Research Chemist at Avery Dennison. His work in Durable Films Research and Development was recognized for outstanding contributions to several projects and received multiple technological awards. Post-retirement one could find Rich (nicknamed “Legs Katona” for his legendary hustle) running 5k races, biking, playing tennis, and joining baseball, basketball and golf leagues. He seemed happiest and most content while at home with his family, in his beautiful backyard. A true “kid at heart” his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember the quality time he spent with them playing sports games in that big backyard. Oh how he loved them and loved to coach them! He was by far their biggest fan and attended as many of their sporting events as possible! He found true peace while tending to his lawn, raking leaves and other yard projects. However, without a doubt, his greatest joy was spending time with his childhood sweetheart, Bertha, of 61 years. Survivors include his wife of 61 years: Bertha (Merchak) Katona; daughters: Lisa Stropko, Laura (Chris) Shroat and Katherine “Katie” Katona; grandchildren: Jason (Birgit Deubner) Stropko, Jessica Stropko, Gabriella Mastropietro, Kevin (Polly) Shroat and Kylee Shroat; great-grandchildren: Diego, Carmelo, Aveia and Grace; sister: Dolores “Dee” Preston and sister- in- law, Edith Katona. Preceding Richard in death are his parents: John and Mary (Estu) Katona; brothers: John “Bob” Katona, Leslie “Les” (Julie) Katona and Donald “Don” (Janet) Katona and brother-in-law: Richard “Dick” Preston. The family would like to thank Greg Smolik of Best Solutions Home Medical Supplies and Equipment, Dina Vanjo of Hands of Mercy Family Care, Amanda, Nicole and John of Miracle City Hospice, and aides, Monica Putnam, Kaleb Mathis and Katie Mayfield. We are most grateful to our private home health aides, Jovita Kazlauskiene and Sidona Tuskenis, for their dedication and compassionate care for Richard. The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH. 44060. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 9, 2023 at St. Gabriel Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Concord Twp., OH, 44060. Please meet at the church. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Painesville, following the Mass. The family requests contributions be made to michaeljfox.org in support of Parkinson’s research. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Richard J. Katona

January 13, 1937 - February 20, 2023