Richard Franklin Maier

Richard Franklin Maier passed away on May 17, 2017 in Massillon. He is survived by his children, Richard Maier (Donna Ann), Janice Maier, and Donald Maier (Susan), his grandchildren, Ginny Skaer (Matt), Elizabeth Maier Balough, Sam Maier, Meredith Maier, and Madelyn Maier, and his great grandchildren, Connor, Caroline, and Hannah Skaer. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn (Trumpour) Maier. Richard was born in Massillon, on October 9, 1925, the son of Franklin L. Maier and Maud (Pietzcker) Maier. He graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1943 and Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. His post graduate work was at the University of Michigan from which he graduated with a Doctor of Law degree in 1951. A lifetime resident of Massillon, he retired from the active practice of Law in 2001. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. In addition to the practice of Law, Richard has served in numerous governmental offices including City Council and Law Director of the City of Massillon. He was a four-term member of the House of Representatives of the Ohio Legislature. He also served as a Board Member of the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Ohio Energy Resources and Development Commission and the Ohio Constitutional Revision Commission. Richard was active in civic organizations. He was a past President of the Rotary Club and past Chairman of the Massillon Chapter of the American Red Cross. He maintained a long and active association with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America having served as President of the Massillon Club and as Chairman of the Ohio Area and Midwest Board Members Council. He was the recipient of both the bronze and silver Keystone Medallions. Richard was Third degree Mason in Clinton Lodge No. 47, F&AM, Massillon, 33 degree Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, Holyrood Conclave Red Cross of Constantine and York Rite Bodies. In 1975 he became an honorary member of the Scottish Rite’s Supreme Council. He also served as Board Member and Chairman of the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio. He was an active sailor at the Atwood Yacht Club and enjoyed great times with family and friends on the water. Friends may gather at the Paquelet Funeral Home on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2 to 4 pm. A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 2 pm. Inurnment will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center, Inc., 836 Market Ave N., Canton, Ohio 44702. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3222