Richard J. Lillash Sr.

June 22, 1940 - January 14, 2021

Richard Lillash Sr., age 80, of Mentor, died January 14, 2021 at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby. He was born June 22, 1940 in Cleveland. Mr. Lillash worked for many years at JC Penny at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, and previously at Hawthorne Melody in Pennsylvania. His hobbies were reading, working outside, and volunteering at his church, and with Habitat for Humanity. He was an alumni of Cathedral Latin (Class of 1959). Richard enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, attending daily mass at St. John Vianney, and going to breakfast and dinner with his many friends. He was an amazing father, grandfather and a cherished friend to many. Survivors include his children, Denise Crockett, Dawn (John) Pritchard, Richard (Kathy) Lillash Jr., Kristin (Michael) Gatto, and Keith (Linda) Lillash; grandchildren, Christopher, David, Ashley, Jeremy, Jordan (Hailey), Chloe, Grace, Sophie, Olivia ( Robert), Ellie, Donald, Cameron, and Emilia; nephew, Stephen Katonovic; brothers in law, Raymond (Nancy) Kirchner, and Dan Kirchner; and his sisters in law, Katie (Joseph) Sternad, and Lynn (Lloyd) Baeslach. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Lillash (Kirchner); parents, George and Florence Lillash; sister, Diane Katonovic; brother in law, Tony Katonvic; nephew, Joseph Katonovic; and his father in law and mother in law, Raymond and Jane Kirchner. A memorial service in memory of Richard will be held at 12 noon Friday, July 9, 2021 at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060. A private family burial was held at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chesterland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.