Richard J Siciliano

Richard (Dick) Joseph Siciliano, 94, formerly of Burton, Ohio, passed peacefully on August 2, 2025. He is forever loved and missed by his family.

Richard was born on October 15, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph F. Siciliano and Alice (Bott) Wilenius. He graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1948 and then joined the United States Marine Corps. During his service with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division, Richard reached the rank of Sergeant and received the Purple Heart during the Korean War.

Following his service in the Marines, Richard earned his Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University, where he met his future wife, Sally Newell. He also completed a master's degree at Kent State University. He taught at several Ohio school districts, including Shaker Heights School System, Kent State University High School, and West Geauga Local Schools in Chesterland, Ohio, where he mainly taught high school mathematics. His passion for teaching and instructing extended into coaching, where he led his Kent State University High School track team to a 1968 State Track championship.

Throughout his life, Richard’s love for the outdoors was passed down to his family as they enjoyed many summer camping trips that included fishing and visiting national landmarks across the United States and Canada.

Richard also had a passion for training English Springer Spaniels and competing in field trials, which earned him and his dogs several championships. Fly-fishing was another of his passions. Not only did he love to fly-fish, but he also enjoyed teaching others the art of fly-fishing and fly-tying. He had incredible skills with a fly rod and won numerous awards in fly-casting competitions.

When he wasn’t outdoors, Richard could be found in his favorite chair with a book in hand. He was a frequent visitor to the Burton Public Library. He was an avid reader and loved to learn. Richard applied what he learned and enjoyed sharing it with others. He had a strong sense of right and wrong and was always willing to stand firm in his convictions.

His memory will be treasured by his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, Sally Siciliano; daughter, Joanne (Larry) Jones; son, Paul (Karen) Siciliano; sister, Shirlie Wozniak; grandchildren, Elaina (Nate) Roy, Annabelle (Paul) Vinzani, Sam Siciliano, Mary Siciliano, Mark Siciliano; great-grandchild Charlotte Roy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Nicholas Siciliano. A private interment ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY 13830. A private interment ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Friends and family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com . Contributions to the Burton Public Library may be made in memory of Richard Siciliano, Burton Public Library, PO Box 427, Burton, OH 44021