Richard E. Grantham
Born on Oct. 10, 1936, the eighth of 12 children to Lloyd and Noreen (nee Lane) Grantham, Richard E. “Dick” grew up on the family farm in Hambden Township, Ohio. He learned early the importance of sharing chores, becoming the keeper of the family’s thousands of chickens. As a young man, he found it impossible to eat eggs.
Dick served in the U.S. Navy for four years. As First Class Nuclear Weaponsman, he was the keeper of nuclear secrets. Dick was able to attend The Ohio State University on the GI bill, obtaining a degree in agricultural economics. He remained an avid fan of Ohio State’s football team to the end.
He was married to his wife of 63 years, Sheila (nee Walsh), on Dec. 29, 1962. Upon finding out they shared a birthday, they knew the match was meant to be.
Dick and Sheila spent a short time in Michigan when their first two children, Brent and Meg, were young, making the decision to come back to Geauga County to raise their family. Dick was a proud father and grandfather and attended as many of the kids’ sporting and school events as possible. While he didn’t learn to swim until adulthood, he worked within the community to garner support for a proposal for a pool in the Village of Chardon, thus ensuring his four children were able swimmers.
Dick’s career was mostly in the plastics industry and he spent much of it as owner of Eazar Plastics and then as a salesman for DME Company.
He was a lifelong member and supporter of the Church of St. Mary in Chardon. Shy by nature, he found his voice calling Bingo on Saturday evenings. A farmer at heart, Dick enjoyed working outside and was yard proud.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Brent (Betty Abraham), Margaret “Meg” (John “Jack” Grimm), Catherine “Kate” Grantham and Mary (Jamie O’Brien); grandchildren, John, Aylin, Kevin, Barıș, Annie, Sophie and Samuel; and brother Tom (Ruthann Rocca) Grantham.
Dick was predeceased by his parents; and siblings Joan Marie (James Behmer), James, Patricia (Audre Bartlett Cook II), Lloyd (Nancy Haas), John (Norma Sopko), Mary Jean, Lenore, Diana, Margaret (Donald Rothrock) and Kathleen; and three infant sons, Kevin, Lawrence and Hugh.
On Nov. 24, 2025, he passed from this life to the next peacefully and quietly, as he lived his life. The family would like to thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff at Heroes’ Harbor Hospice at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
A mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary, 401 North St., Chardon, Ohio. Friends may call from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Hospitality Room of the church.
Private burial will take place at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Chardon, Painesville, Fairport Harbor & Madison. We ask that flowers be delivered to the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Mary’s Parish in Chardon (https://www.osvhub.com/stmarychardon/giving/funds).
