Richard Sigrist

On Thursday September 3rd, 2009 the kind, gentle, dignified and talented man, Richard Morris Sigrist of Massillon, Ohio passed quietly from this world into the arms of his savior. Richard was born January 29, 1929 in Winesburg, Ohio, the eldest son of Charles Sigrist, Sr and Ruby (Mathias). He graduated from Beach City High School and later completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Kent State University. At the age of 17, he met and three years later on June 12, 1949 married Marie (Hoffman) with whom he this year celebrated 60 years of marriage. No two people could have loved each other more. Richard taught school first in Winesburg, Ohio and in 1960 moved his family to Massillon, Ohio where he worked as a teacher, principal and administrator for the Tuslaw School District. He retired at the age of 58 with 37 years of service. In retirement, he and Marie spent 22 winters in Sarasota, Florida. Richard (Dick to many of his friends) was an exceptional community leader and educator. When living in Winesburg, he was a member of the Grange, 4-H, Farm Council and Zion U.C.C. In Massillon he was a 50 year member of Grace U.C.C., acting as president of Consistory for many years. He also was active in the Tuslaw Lions Club and drove the popular Train. In Florida he attended Sun and Fun Community Church and took on a leadership role there, too. Where ever he went he commanded respect, in the classroom, board room, home and community. Richard’s hobbies included playing volleyball for 20 years in Florida, shopping, eating out and vacationing and dancing with his wife, regular walking, crossword puzzles, board games, reading, carpentry, electric work, lawn care and general all around handyman. He enjoyed watching sports and spending time with grandchildren. In recent years he researched the Sigrist family tree to when Ulrich and Mary Sigrist came to America from Switzerland prior to 1850. Richard is survived by his wife and great love Marie, Special Son’s Ronald (Rebecca) Sigrist of Kernersville, NC and Gary (Crista) Sigrist of New Philadelphia, loving daughter Janice Lynn Brust of Massillon, sister Carol (Ken) East of Beach City, sister-in-law Linda Sigrist of Winesburg, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles, Jr and Lowell. Richard touched the lives and hearts of all he met. He loved his wife, toiled hard to support his family, taught his children kindness and respect, helped any friend or family member in need and feared and worshiped his God- such a man deserves to be remembered well. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening Sept 8th at Paquelet Funeral Home 1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon from 5-8 P.M. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Grace United Church of Christ 933 W. Main, Massillon at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday September 9th with the family receiving friends there from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Winesburg Cemetery, Winesburg, Ohio. Memorial gifts may be made to Grace United Church of Christ 933 Main Avenue W., Massillon, Ohio 44647- General Fund. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to www.paquelet.com. Paquelet/Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222