Richard Rastani September 2, 1935 - April 20, 2024

Richard Rastani (Anderson Twp) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife Irlene, his sons Mike, Tom (Kim), Bob and his daughter Suzanne (Bryan Sykes). Richard is also survived by his grandsons Mark (Sydney), Brian and his great-grandson Luke. He is predeceased by his parents Anthony & Theresa (Conte) and brother Anthony (Alice).

Richard graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1959, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was a Member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Professionally, Richard worked with The Andrew Jergens Company followed by many years as the National Sales Manager at Totes Isotoner.

Richard met his wife Irlene on a blind date which was the beginning of a love affair lasting more than 65 years. Blessed with their four children, Mike, Tom, Bob and Suzanne, he provided for his family with love and stability.

Richard was passionate about sports. He loved his UC Bearcats, but his greatest joy was coaching his sons in Knothole baseball with the Midland Chiefs and the Midland Raiders. Richard touched so many through coaching with his enthusiasm and support. He instilled confidence in his young ballplayers, and he helped them to be the best that they could be. All remember Richard for his competitive fire and his leadership. He set priorities and rules for his players to follow. One rule in particular was “No Swimming” on game days! None of the players wanted to be seen on the bench with bloodshot eyes from being in the pool on game days. That was for sure!

Richard was an active member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. He attended Mass regularly and helped with the weekly offering collections.

Richard had a great sense of humor and when he found or experienced something funny, he would laugh so hard he would have tears and could barely catch his breath. It was infectious. Everyone around laughed along with him.

Richard enhanced his family’s lives in many ways. There were summer vacations to Myrtle Beach and Folly Beach that were special to him. He loved the beach. He enjoyed family traditions, especially Mother’s Day Brunches downtown and Christmas Eve surrounded by his family. It began with Mass at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church followed by dinner at the Kabuki Japanese Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. Those times will never be forgotten.

When Richard and Irlene became grandparents, he poured his love out to grandsons Mark and Brian. He and Irlene have always enjoyed and cherished very special relationships with Mark and Brian. Richard was also blessed with the arrival of his first Great Grandson, Luke Anthony Rastani in February this year, making it four generations of Rastani’s.

They took trips to Hueston Woods, to the Tecumseh Drama and to many museums.

Every New Year’s Eve with the grandchildren was celebrated with the banging of pots and pans at midnight. Great times!

Richard assumed many roles, as a son and brother, as a husband, and as a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He put his heart and soul into everything he did. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity of time spent and the love that he shared.

We now will continue his legacy with the life lessons he taught us. He will always be with us. When the time eventually comes when we can dry our tears, it will be these memories and many more that will forever warm our hearts.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen Church, 3804 Eastern Ave, at 11:00am on Thursday May 2, 2024.

Reception immediately following at the Carnegie Center. (next to St. Stephen)

In lieu of flowers, memorial charitable donations may be made to made to:

The American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org or by mail to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown MD 21741 and Hospice of Cincinnati  Donate – HOC Navigators (hospiceofcincinnati.org)

The entire Rastani Family Thanks You.