Richard Arlen Whitnight, born March 31, 1930, lived to his 90th birthday. He was married to Dorothy Whitnight for over 71 years. He and Dorothy had a son Keith Whitnight and a daughter Karen (Glenn) Schneider. Their grandchildren are Tiffany Lisle, Kathleen Falco, and Aaron and Alyssa Schneider. Their great-grandchildren are Richard Arlen, Benjamin, and Kathrine Lisle and Nicholas, Dean, and Joey Falco. Richard was also survived by his sister Carole Katrenick and his many nieces and nephews. He adoringly loved his family and friends and the feeling was mutual. In fact, he was loved by everyone he met!
Richard retired from a decades-long career at American Airlines and served in the United States Army. He was a dapper dresser and was often complimented on his style. He and his wife lived in Avon Lake, OH the past 33 years. He took great pride in working in his yard and fixing almost anything.
A family celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends giving a donation in Richard’s name to the local Veterans Administration: Lorain VA Clinic, Attn: Medical Center Director, 5255 North Abbe Road, Sheffield Village, OH, 44035-1451 or the Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter, 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL, 33131.
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My thoughts are with Richards family during this difficult time. I will miss seeing my “gym friend”…
Richard always made us feel happy with his great smile when he arrived at the Cardio gym. He was so kind, and will be sadly missed by so many.
My deepest sympathy to Richards family
Although I had not met Richard in person, I felt as though I knew him well through his granddaughter Alyssa. I could see the love she had for him with every story she told about her grandpa. She cherished her time with him and he will be greatly missed. My mother did have a chance to meet Richard at her Cardio gym. She was always happy to see him arrive with a big smile.
I am so sorry for the loss of such a kind and loving family member. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers
Dear Dorothy and Karen and family, please know that we are praying for all of you that God will heal your broken hearts. We enjoyed being with Rich on those special holiday get togethers. Ever friendly and always smiling! A charming man who is living with God. Love from both of us.
My condolences to the whole family. Grandpa will be deeply missed and will miss seeing him at the course. May your family find peace, comfort and joy in all the memories you hold dear. Thank you for sharing him.
Dear Alyssa & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Although I didn’t know your Grandpa, I wish I had known him, because he sounds like a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed. Love and Prayers,
Barbara Aldridge
Grandpa, as we affectionately knew him, was a shining beacon of light and love, a role model of responsibility and unconditional kindness and love, and the very definition of a family man. He will be sorely missed.
Uncle Dick was my favorite uncle. He and Aunt Dorothy took care of me many summers when my mom was hospitalized in the days when they kept you for a month at a time for her many surgeries. You will be missed by many and I have never met a more devoted family than yours. Rest In Peace and put in a good word in for all of us when you see God. Love you so much. Mary Ellen & Ron
I love you, Grandpa! Thanks for being the best guy I ever knew. What happened to 102? Will be with you in spirit always.
I love you all …he can only leave good memories…..he was a wonderful man to know….The salt of the earth type person..God will carry you through this valley.
My deepest sympathy to a great man and Uncle. He will surely be missed by many. God bless all of the people in his life, for he truly will be missed. Love you Uncle Dick, may you rest in peace.
Richard
Our condolences to the whole family. We will surely miss his visits to the golf course and the Community Center. May God bring comfort to your family.
Want to send our deepest sympathy to all of the family in your loss.