Richard W. "Dick" Deacon

Richard W. “Dick” Deacon age 97, beloved husband for over 43 years of Carol (nee Newman); loving father of Dawn Ross (husband Terry), James (wife Laurie) and the late Richard W. Jr. Dick was the devoted “Gramps” of Stacie Conway (husband Steve), Daniel Kalifoot (wife Ali), Todd Pierson (wife Barb), James “JP” (wife Chloe), Jeffrey (wife Paige), and Shelby (fiancé Jacob Branch); and great-grandfather of Natalie, Matthew and Liam Conway, Finn and Sawyer Kalifoot, Ziggy and Barrett Deacon, Brantley, Keegan, and Georgie Deacon, Kyra and Zain Pierson; cherished son of the late Winfield and Freda (nee Gehring); dearest brother of the late Otto Bartholma, Dorothy Sharillo (husband Eugene deceased), Ruth Drapach (husband Stephen deceased), twin Robert (wife Gerrie), and brother-in-law of Jay Newman; dear uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Dick dedicated his life to building connections in his community. He was best known as the founder of Deacon’s Chrysler-Plymouth in 1963, later Deacon’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, where he and his twin brother, Bob, spent decades serving customers with integrity and care. Their dealership became a trusted name in Northeast Ohio, a reflection of their commitment to fairness, hard work, and personal service.

Beyond his career, Dick was deeply involved in local organizations and had a great love of the outdoors. He supported many conservation groups and organizations including the Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio, Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was a longtime member of the Hawthorne Valley Skeet Club and enjoyed skeet shooting and sharing camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts on Sundays for many years. He enjoyed volunteering at youth fishing camps, educating and passing his passion of fishing, hunting and his love of the outdoors on to younger generations. Friends and colleagues remember him as a man of principle, generosity, and humor—someone who always had time to listen and lend a hand.

Dick’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly, and nothing brought him more happiness than cheering them on. Whether it was a soccer game, baseball match, or school event, Dick could always be found in the stands, proudly supporting the next generation. He also had a remarkable gift for connection—no matter where you were, even out of state, Dick seemed to know somebody. His warmth and friendliness made every place feel like home.

Dick Deacon’s life was a testament to the power of community, dedication, and love. He will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Dick to the Crawford Auto Museum, 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, in care of the Western Reserve Historical Society by clicking HERE.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 11:00AM at the Funeral Home with a reception following at Generations Center. Private Burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dick at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) on Monday 4-8PM.