Richard E “Dick” Chrisman September 18, 1937 - May 17, 2023

Richard E. “Dick,” Chrisman, died May 17, 2023, at the age of 85. Preceded in death by parents Fred and Ruby (nee Perkins); adoring Coney Island Park sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Shirley Lorraine (nee Thompson); siblings Alan and Gary, sister-in-law Gloria, and nephews Michael and Corey. He is survived by siblings, Dave (Georgia) and John; devoted father and grandfather to Linda (Dennis) LeGendre, children Jennifer, Justin, Brad LeGendre, George and Henry (Franchesca) Hoersting; Steve (Sharon), daughters Bryn and Lane Kabbes; Marty, his children with Cara, Cameron, Hunter, and Brooklyn; Tim (Michelle), daughters Madison Farley and Mackenzie Pryor; plus many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cherished by longtime friends in the Greater Cincinnati deaf community, Millsbrae neighbors and the Asbury Woods Senior Apartments community who opened their arms to him in welcome.

Richard, the eldest of five brothers, was born in Aurora, Indiana, on September 18, 1937. When he was three years old, he lost most of his hearing during an illness with high fever. The family moved from Aurora, IN to Cincinnati, OH where he attended the Hyde Park School, Withrow, and later Clarke School for Hearing and Speech in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he excelled in the craft of woodworking. He worked at Reporter Publications as a printing apprentice, and later The Cincinnati Post as typesetter. When his job was phased out, he enjoyed an early retirement. He was an active member of the Greater Cincinnati Deaf Club, Flying Fingers Seniors, loved playing rummy, watching Cincinnati Bengals and Reds games, spending time in water and sunshine with family and friends at Fairfax Swim Club, lending a hand to his children by working on projects or watching their kids, and teasing anyone he felt was fair game. After Shirley retired, they could be found nearly every day each summer at Coney Island in a happy “flying fingers” circle of close friends. He had a cheerful spirit to the end, loved well, and knew he was loved in return.

Visitation (9am), Mass of Christian Burial (10am) on Thurs, June 8 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish 7820 Beechmont Ave, 45230. Celebration of Life follows at Fares J. Radel Funeral Home 5950 Kellogg Ave, 45230. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Rita School for the Deaf are appreciated.