Richard Thomas Pritchard

Richard Thomas Pritchard, 95, of Concord Twp., passed away April 28, 2026 at Danbury Assisted Living, Mentor. He was born October 3, 1930 in Cleveland to the late Howard and Alice Pritchard. Richard and Sarah settled in Euclid where they raised their family until moving to Concord Twp. in 2002. Richard attended East High School in Cleveland, graduating in 1949. He attended Case Western Reserve University for two years, majoring in business administration. During that time, he worked in the business offices of the Cleveland Press as a junior accountant, before joining the Army during the Korean war serving from 1951-1953. After the war, he worked for RCA and was Vice President of the Cleveland Credit Bureau before deciding he wanted to open his own business. Richard, his wife and family opened Pritchards Dairy Queen in Mentor in 1972 and Putt-a-Round where he was Mr. P. to all his employees. The Dairy Queen was consistently one of the top stores in the country for sales and always on the Lake County Dept. of Health cleanest stores. They remained the owner for almost 30 years before retiring. After retiring, he was able to enjoy his grandchildren and participating in their activities. He also enjoyed watching the Guardians, Cavaliers, and the Browns. Gardening and feeding the birds were also a favorite way to enjoy retirement. Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Sarah Pritchard (nee: Philippone); children, Debra (Mark Pugh) Kandalec, Nancy Pritchard and John (Dawn) Pritchard; grandchildren, Jason (Shayla) Kandalec, Julie Kandalec, Jeremy (fiancée, Sarah Bennett) Pritchard and Jordan (Hailey) Pritchard; great granddaughter, Emma Grace Pritchard; nephews, Don (Carol) Pritchard and Dick Pritchard and many other loving family members and friends. Preceding Richard in death are his siblings, Howard (Florence) Pritchard, Dorothy (Bob) Goldsworth, William (Liz) Pritchard and infant sister, Margaret Pritchard; sister-in-law, Mildred Pritchard and niece, Dorothy (Ben) Waddington. The family wishes to thank Reserve Care Hospice, the Everblue team, for the wonderful care they gave dad in his final months. Special thanks to Dianna, Rick, Stephanie, Kevin, Audre, Lisa and Amy. Private family services were held with entombment in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Richard Thomas Pritchard

October 3, 1930 - April 28, 2026