Richard M. Dawson's Obituary
Richard M. Dawson, Sr., 86, of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. Born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan, Rick lived a life defined by faith, family, football, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.
A proud alumnus of St. Patrick’s School in Wyandotte, Rick discovered his love for football on those fields, going on to play at the University of Michigan — a Wolverine through and through. His connection to St. Patrick’s never faded; he later returned to coach football there, giving back to the school that had shaped him. Rick’s devotion to his beloved St. Pat’s was evident as he maintained their alumni database and communications until the time of his passing and helped plan their annual alumni golf outing with longtime friend Dick Zanglin.
Rick built a distinguished career in information technology within the manufacturing industry, most notably with American Standard, which brought him and his beloved family to Amherst, Ohio, where they planted new roots.
In 1965, Rick met the love of his life, Kathy McElroy Dawson. Together they built a beautiful family and a life full of faith and laughter. His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of everything he did. A devoted parishioner first at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst and later at St. Peter’s in Lorain, Rick served his church community with great pride as a lector, Eucharistic minister, usher, and member of both the parish council and finance committee. He and Kathy also poured their hearts into planning parish festivals at St. Peter’s and became deeply involved in Marriage Encounter and the county Pre-Cana program, which they ran together for several years. In his later years, Daily Mass became an especially important part of Rick’s spiritual life, and he made it a point to attend virtual Mass without fail — a testament to the unwavering faith that guided him throughout his life.
When he wasn’t cheering on the Wolverines on a fall Saturday, you could find Rick on the golf course — a passion he carried with great joy throughout his life, even achieving the coveted hole-in-one.
From early on, Rick was the life of the party. He had a gift for bringing people together, cherishing time spent with good friends and family whose lives he touched with his infectious enthusiasm. Whether mentoring coworkers or imparting wisdom on his family, Rick had a natural generosity of spirit that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Rick is survived by his son, Rick Dawson Jr., and daughter, Beth Dawson; his grandchildren Nicholas (Samantha), Alexandria, Lauren (fiancée Nicole Hoysak) and Maya; his great-grandson, Theodore; his sister, Melissa Dyer; and many beloved in-laws and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy, his twin brother, Ronald, and his parents, Eugene and Virginia (nee Sugdo).
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 27th. At 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. Reverend Father Timothy O’Connor, Pastor, will officiate. Private interment will take place at a later date. As a tribute to Rick’s lifelong love of Michigan football, the family encourages everyone to wear Michigan attire or maize and blue colors to the Thursday visitation. Following Mass on Friday, the family will host a “tailgate” celebration at the funeral home in honor of Rick’s amazing life and legacy.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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