Paul J. Richey of Wooster, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on July 18 after a long battle with POEMS syndrome and multifocal myeloma.
Having just turned 59, he was born in Wooster, Ohio in 1967 to Clyde and Mary (Parsons) Richey. Paul is a graduate of Wooster high school and attended Akron University. He was proficient in the technical service industry primarily through his employment with the Prentke-Romich company and later, working from home, as a customer service representative for Tele-Tech.
Above all, Paul was passionate about helping people through working at the YMCA to lending a hand at Habitat for Humanity. Prior to becoming ill, he was in the process of starting his own handyman business.
Paul enjoyed vacationing in their travel trailer to numerous campgrounds in Ohio and along the East coast from Maine to Florida.
Working on projects, or building and fixing things around their house and for family and friends filled his time.
Fishing and soccer were favorite past times of his, but more recently, he and his wife enjoyed riding the Rails to Trails on their recumbent trikes. Paul had quite the sense of humor where you either rolled your eyes or laughed at how quick witted he could be. He cared deeply for the many dogs and cats they had over the years and whenever you needed an ear, he was always willing to listen and offer advice.
Surviving are his wife Beth, of 33 years, sisters Elizabeth (Terry) Hoffer; Stephanie (Ron) James; Margaret (Steve Scott) Richey; Catherine Richey; many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers-in-law from Pennsylvania.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Rev. Stephen Moran as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Donations can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, PO Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691.
Many thanks to the Southern Care Hospice group, McIntire, Bradham & Sleek and to the many family and friends for their support, prayers and love.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Beth, my deepest sympathy to you, your family and Paul’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paul was my student at WHS, but he also became a dear friend. When I joined the Y, he coached me on weight lifting. He also was my greatest help when I bought my home. He was my contractor who pulled up and put down my flooring and made essential repairs throughout the house. He never complained about his illlness or the difficulties he suffered. When was looking for homes during a separation, I called Paul to ask him to look at my 2 finalists. I pretended he was my little brother. In essence, that’s who he was: a friend, a helper, a highly skilled laborer, and yes, my little brother. I pray you are with your parents now, Paul. I will always remember you.
Steph – I am so sorry to hear the passing of Paul . Prayers for you and your family
Debi Stafford Lewis
Beth, I am very sad to see that Paul has died!!! It sounds like he had many struggles over the years since I stopped seeing you regularly, and I cannot begin to imagine what this has been like for you. Please know I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If I can do anything to support you, I would gladly do that!!! Even though my health isn’t good, we could at least talk sometimes if that would be helpful. My email is junosammie@gmail.com.
Paul was a neighbor but more importantly a dear friend. Paul was always able to help if we had a problem in our house. Paul and Beth would always be walkng in the neightborhood and always stopped to talk to everyone. He always asked how our kids were doing. I can’t imagine how long those walks were because they talked to everyone. Rest in peace, dear friend, and knowing that God knew it was time for the pain should stop.
Paull was a neighbor but more importantly a dear friend. He was always wiling to help if we had a problem with our house. We would see Paul, Beth, and their dogs walking. They always stopped to talk and ask how everyone was. I can imagine how long those walks were because they talked to everyone. Rest in peace, dear Paul, and happy in the fact that God knew it was time to end his suffering. You will always be missed and your smile.
Our thoughts are with Paul’s family during this sad time. May your happy memories of times together sustain you and give you peace.
I first met Paul when he was at the YMCA. We’ve ran into each other a few times in the years since. We talked multiple times in the recent years about our health issues and I’m sad I won’t be able to talk to him again. Paul was a great guy ! Rest in Peace. Prayers to his family.
Aunt Beth,
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Paul. I wish I could come and pay my respects in person but I’ve been out if town. Uncle Paul was such a great uncle. I’m so glad you brought him into our lives. He’ll be sorely missed.
I’m deeply sorry for OUR loss. I worked with Paul at PRC years ago and we shared a similar “sense of humor”. He was always smiling and quick with a joke. Always willing to help and cared about the people he was helping through PRC.
Truly a great guy and I’m so blessed that I had the privelege of working with him.
Mindy and I are praying for grace and peace for Pauls family.