Richard J. Mahler

Richard Joseph Mahler of Milford, Ohio, passed away March 6, 2023 at the age of 85, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by Berta (nee Christopher), his wife of 61 years. Devoted father to five children: Elizabeth Cooley (Gordon) of Morristown, TN, Robert (Lori) of Springdale, AR, Gina Christman of Cincinnati, OH, Michael (Sharon) of Ocala, FL and Joel (Lisa) of Lima, OH. Grandfather to Christopher and Michael Cooley; Robert Jr., Stewart, Nicholas, and Travis Mahler; Lauren Mikelson; Taylor and Michael Christman; Isaak and Abigail Watters and Miles and Connor Mahler. He is also a great and great-great grandfather many times over.

Richard was born in Salinas, California to Joseph and Mildred Mahler (nee Bennett). He enjoyed traveling, having lived in California, Arizona, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. He earned his BS and PhD degrees in soil science from the University of Arizona and the University of California at Riverside, respectively. After obtaining his PhD, he worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in Cincinnati, OH. He then worked for the University of Arkansas Experiment Station in Marianna, AR and finally USEPA in Washington, D.C., retiring in 2001. He was a devoted Catholic and lived his faith to the fullest, supporting several charities to help children in need through educational funding.

Richard had a great sense of humor and was well known for his sarcastic comebacks. He was a snappy dresser, having acquired, some might say, too many Hawaiian shirts. Fastidious by nature, he could frequently be found washing clothes (rinsing twice), reloading the dishes in the dishwasher or organizing his paper towel and toilet paper collections. Richard was also a passionate environmentalist, whether organizing his recyclables or reprimanding his children for leaving the lights on when leaving a room. Extremely camera shy, Richard was an avid dancer; there is, however, a rumor of a YouTube video of him bringing “Sexy Back” to a local festival. As a homeowner, he enjoyed working on Do-It-Yourself projects, especially when he had a handyman do it for him. Richard was known for his keen intellect, which he honed by counting cars at any Chick-Fil-A drive thru or auditing his 60-year compilation of tax returns. He always remembered birthdays with a card and a phone call (with Berta) and a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 2- 4 pm at Gilligan Funeral Home (8225 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236). Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13 at 9:30 am at St Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Madeira, OH. Interment will be at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately following Mass.

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