Richard J. Zyla

Richard J. Zyla, age 84, of Jackson Twp. passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on August 27, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Joseph and Bernice Zyla. He married Bette Boyd on May 07, 1960 and they shared 61 years together. Richard proudly served his country as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army and in the Army Reserves for 35 years. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a Superintendent in the Lincoln Division. Upon retirement he took up golf and expanded his love for music by singing in the church choir. He continued to enjoy reading and a love for history. He was a devout Catholic and was active in volunteer groups within the church such as the Knights of Columbus and Eucharistic Ministry. He will be remembered as a kind, humble and patient man whose heart was full of love for God, Country, Family and Life itself! He is survived by his wife Bette; his daughter Nancy (Paul) Platek; his son Richard D. Zyla; his grandchildren Samantha Platek, Zachary Zyla, Daniel Platek, and Victoria Zyla; his brothers Charles and Timothy Zyla; his brother-in-law William Boyd and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Joseph Zyla and sister Diane Bolda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joan of Arc on Monday, August 02, 2021 at 10a.m. Father David Wiekert will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9a.m. until the time of the mass. Burial will be private. Donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation - 200 SE 1st Street - Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or online at Parkinson.org For full obituary and to send messages of sympathy and support go to www.paquelet.com Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory – 330-833-3222