Richard Lee Cevera Sr., age 86, passed away peacefully at Ashtabula County Nursing Home.

Richard was born on May 31, 1940, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Madaline (Mongillo) Cevera. A lifelong resident of Ashtabula, he was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

He was married to the love of his life, Brenda (Bishop) Cevera. Richard was a devoted family man who took great pride in his loved ones and treasured the time he spent with Brenda, his children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Richard was employed by the City of Ashtabula as a superintendent of maintenance and retired in 1996. He was truly a “Mr. Fix-It,” with an ability to repair nearly anything. His many talents included painting cars, woodworking, mechanical repairs, and countless other projects. He was always tinkering, building, fixing, or finding a way to make something work again.

He enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie, spending time outdoors, and playing cards with family and friends, where many happy memories and plenty of laughter were shared. Richard also had a creative side and enjoyed making jewelry, including a beautiful heart-shaped pinky ring that he made himself.

His kindness, humor, hardworking spirit, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard Cevera Jr. (Shelley); his grandchildren, Jennifer Glotzbecker (Joshua) and Kyle Cevera; and his three great-grandchildren, Zander, Quintin, and Torrick Glotzbecker. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda; his parents, Joseph and Madaline Cevera; his son Robert Cevera Sr. , Grandson Robert Cevera Jr., his brothers, Steve, Bernard, and Thomas Cevera; and his sisters, Anne Sandella Patricia Huggins, Barbara DeCamillo, and Grace Caruso Passella. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister named Carmel. Later, another sister was given the name Carmel in memory of the infant sister who had passed away.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff of Ashtabula County Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided to Richard. The staff on his wing lovingly called him “PAPA,” a name he proudly told them was his. Their kindness and compassion meant so much to Richard and his family.

The family also sincerely thanks the nurses and staff of ReserveCare Hospice for their loving care and support during Richard’s final days.

Richard leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of helping, fixing, creating, and caring for others. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend—and as “PAPA,” a name that became just as special to those who cared for him as it was to his family.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 6 at Guerriero Funeral Home, 1550 West 19th Street, Ashtabula, Ohio. Services will be held with Father Francis Muriithi of Our Lady of Peace Parish. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.