Gerald “Jerry” Rich Sr., age 80, passed away October 12, 2021, at his residence in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. He was born June 7, 1941, in Cleveland to Anthony and Helen (Hill) Rich.
Jerry’s parents opened Rich Lanes in Fairport Harbor in 1955. Jerry and his wife Dianne owned and operated the bowling alley from 1972 to 2004 and then in 2005, his two sons took over the operation of the bowling alley.
His favorite thing was being at the bowling alley, throwing back some beers, bowling, and socializing. He traveled the country to bowl in the Open Championships and to Chicago for the Petersen Classic for over 50 years each. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball in various leagues and earned his nickname “Zoom”. He was a member of many local fraternity organizations. He also enjoyed working at the Fairport Harbor Port Authority in his retirement years.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Dianne (Lynn) Rich; sons, Jerry Rich Jr. (Debra) and Brian (Lydia) Rich; grandsons, Wesley and Jasen Rich.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcia Pillar.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 15, 2021, at Faith Lutheran Church, 8125 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio. Family and friends will be received 4:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, October 14th at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P. O. Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gerald A. "Jerry" Rich, please visit our floral store.