Richard Gail Poling
September 30, 1933 ~ May 18, 2026
Resided in:
Painesville, OH
Richard Gail Poling, age 92, of Painesville, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 18, 2026.
Born to Russell and Bertha Poling, Richard grew up on the family farm in West Virginia, a place he spoke of often and with great affection. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Poling; his sister, Emily Poling Hunt; and his son, Richard Welsby Poling.
Richard is survived by his sister, Marylin Lambert; his brothers, Russell Poling and Robert Poling; his daughter, Lisa Poling Nichols, and her children, Caroline Nichols Fowler (Bryson Fowler) and Andrew Nichols; his son, Kurt Poling, and his wife, Melanie (Moore) Poling, and their children, Rachel and Kurt Poling; and Richard’s children, Nicholas Poling, Ryan Poling, and Allison Poling. He is also survived by his great-grandchild, Silas River.
A proud member of the Acadia Masonic Lodge for 70 years, Richard lived a life marked by loyalty, dedication, and quiet strength. He retired from Uniroyal 26 years ago after a long and committed career.
Richard’s passions were many: telling stories from his childhood on the West Virginia farm, collecting guns, riding motorcycles, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a man who read his Bible faithfully — several times through — and who carried a positive spirit into every room. Even in his final hours, he had a joke ready, a smile to offer, and a way of making others feel at ease.
Richard’s legacy is one of warmth, humor, faith, and deep love for his family. He will be profoundly missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on June 20, from 1–3 PM at North Ridge Event Center. Family and friends are welcome as we gather to honor and remember him.
The Behm Family Funeral Home of Geneva is assisting the family at this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Dick a few years ago and that we were able to enjoy our West Virginia connection. To Rachel and all the Poling family; you were so blessed to have Dick in your life. Cherish your memories! Sending much love and prayers to all of you, Judy Brown