RICHEY, Frank Lawrence

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Frank L. Richey of Prescott, Arizona passed peacefully at the Prescott VA Medical Center on Sept. 11, 2015 with his family around him, just three days shy of his 85th birthday. Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sept. 14, 1930. He spent his early years in Johnson City, New York and Mentor, Ohio. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent three years on an LST, crossing the Pacific Ocean several times during the Korean War. His fourth year of service to his country was with the Sea Bees in Adak, Alaska. After the navy, he met his wife, Diane, at Kent State University, where he graduated in 1958. Throughout the 1960s, Frank worked in the Painesville, Ohio school system as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal. In 1971, Frank and Diane, and their four children moved to Michigan, where they owned and operated a small, five-cabin resort on East Twin Lake. During that time, Frank also taught school and was a township supervisor. Eventually the family purchased and operated a pizzeria and game room in Rose City, Michigan. Frank expanded that business venture into a thriving vending business. Of his many accomplishments, his powerlifting world records seemed to define his later years. His eldest son, Scott, is following in his footsteps with world records of his own. Frank retired to Prescott, Arizona in 2003, where he reestablished a modest vending business and also worked part-time at the YMCA as he continued his powerlifting. He was predeceased by his mother; stepfather; and sister, Gwen. He is survived by his wife, Diane; three sons, Scott and Robin, Barrett and Marilou, and Eric and Anne; daughter, Richelle Richey; brother, Hal Richey; brother-in-law, Tom Bunch; and three grandchildren, Severin, Aaron and Marissa Richey. He will be greatly missed. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2015, at the Veterans Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona. Please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Frank's name. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home in Prescott assisted the family. Information provided by survivors.