Richard Daniel Thuring Junior (Rich) passed away comfortably in the afternoon of May 4th, 2023.
He was born in Bellaire Ohio on February 8th, 1955 to Richard Daniel Thuring Senior and Rilla Mae (Yates) Thuring.
Rich had many things throughout his life of which he was proud; but none compared to the pride of fatherhood. He was an endlessly proud champion for his son, Zachary Thuring (Kenneth John Lim) of Orlando Florida.
In addition to his son, Rich leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Connie (Queen) Thuring of Shadyside Ohio. In his marriage to Connie, he not only found a loving and supportive spouse, but a partner with whom he could share all aspects of his life including a passion for seeing the world, loving the outdoors, and a legacy of service to their community.
He is preceded by his parents Richard Senior and Rilla, as well as a sister Rayma Jean.
Rich loved the outdoors. As a young man, he was an avid boater and water skier on the Ohio River and local lakes. His passion for the outdoors also drove him to share that love with his family through multiple camping trips and adventures. Rich found that through nature, he was able to discover a deeper connection with his family. Further, this love of the outdoors and nature prompted him to serve as an Assistant Scout Master for his son’s Boy Scout troop.
In addition to his loving family, Rich leaves behind his legacy of service. Rich was always willing to help others; he found that giving service to others was one of the highest callings an individual could have. He was a founding member of Steel Valley Search Dogs, whose mission was to find lost or missing individuals. He and his team of search dogs successfully located and saved many people through his nearly 30 year career in Search and Rescue. While he retired from Search and Rescue, he still continued his love of working with dogs; he leaves behind his Australian Shepard, Harry. He also served as a volunteer for the Belmont County Emergency Management Agency where, among other things, he helped with communication efforts as an Amateur Radio Operator. Rich’s legacy of service continued as an active member of the Shadyside Volunteer Fire Department where he served as an EMT and Firefighter. Further, he volunteered his time and skills by donating to soup kitchens and helping pass out free lunches so that others would have a better life.
He was a member and served as an Elder at Key Bethel Presbyterian Church. Rich’s faith was a cornerstone of his belief structure and the foundation of his calling of service.
Finally, he also leaves behind a loving extended family.
Friends and family will be received for visitation on the evening of Monday May 8th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home in Shadyside Ohio. Additional visitation will be on Tuesday May 9th from 10:00am until time of service of 11:00am, graveside to follow with Rev. Kurt Turner officiating. Flowers may be sent to the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home in Shadyside Ohio; or in lieu flowers, donations may be made in his name to the OR & W Fire District #9 Station 35 or Lincoln Avenue Methodist Church school lunch fund.
Following graveside service, everyone is invited to attend a luncheon at Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church.
Dear Connie,
I was so very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. You have my sincere condolences. 🙏
So sorry and quite surprised to hear of Rich’s passing. Everyone on our street nicknamed him “Hat” because he ALWAYS wore some type of hat. Growing up directly across the street on Smithfield Street from Rich, we knew him and his parents very well, obviously. Many times, several of the Smithfield Street gang would all end up walking to the High School together in the mornings and after lunch. I remember his love of boats and his passion for water skiing on the Ohio River. Several times, my brother and sister would go down to the Ohio River with Rich to water ski. Connie and Zach: please accept our deepest sympathies.
Connie and Zach,
So very sad to see this, we had not heard. The three of you have always been such a kind and giving family unit. Sending you sincerest thanks for Rich’s service, heart felt sympathy in his loss, and prayers that peace be with you all. Cherrel Nash and Mandee, Mitch, Missy, & Darryl.
Oh Zach, my prayers are with you and your family at this time. Love to you all.
Connie and family I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Many great memories through scouting adventures. My condolences to the family.
Connie and Zachary, please accept my deepest sympathies.
I am truly sorry to read this !
Graduating with Rich and living on Smithfield Street as youths, I share many memories with Rich.
He was always kind and thoughtful! He was a quiet individual but his presence in this world was enormous! Reading about his community involvements make me proud to have known and grown up with him. I remember how much Rich loved hats! I so remember his parents as well. Rich’s dad was a quiet individual as well. His Mom was funny and outgoing.
I remember sitting on their porch just talking. My heart breaks for them.
I was hoping to see Rich at our upcoming class reunion.
My sincere thoughts and prayers for his wife, son, sister, family and friends!
Heaven indeed received another Angel! God bless you all . May the good man above give you all the strength and support to get you through this loss.
Prayers🙏🏻. He will be missed!