(The following obituary appeared in the Lorain Morning Journal on October 13. Richard Daniels worked for the BLE for 10 years prior to his retirement in 2005.)
NORTH RIDGVEILLE, Ohio — Richard J. Daniels, 65, of North Ridgeville, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, at St. John West Shore Hospital of complications of diabetes.
He was born April 15, 1941, in Cleveland and had lived many years in Shaker Heights before moving to Gates Mills. In 1997, he moved to North Ridgeville.
He began his career as a business owner when he purchased a share of a motorcycle store while in college. After graduating from Rose Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute, with a degree in theoretical particle physics, he purchased a motorcycle store in Cleveland. Then he opened Computerland of Cleveland stores, growing the business to six stores in Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Mentor.
Daniels worked as a partner in the business, mostly from the downtown location. His forte was working with the younger employees, helping identify their strengths and placing them in the job in which they would thrive. After selling the Computerland stores, he worked most recently as an IT specialist for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at its headquarters in Cleveland, retiring in 2005.
He was a member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Bay Village. He enjoyed gardening and was a 20-year member of the Cleveland Bonsai Club. He was a supporter of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a collector of primitive art and enjoyed playing computer games.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Ann Catherine Daniels (nee Doyle); daughter, Elaine Z. Krumlauf of San Jose, Calif.; and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. and Marion V. (nee Stenberg) Daniels.
Friends may call Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m., at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Road, Avon. A memorial service will be Monday in St. Barnabas Church, 468 Bradley Road, Bay Village, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robert N. Andrew of the church officiating. Interment will be in the Columbarium at St. Barnabas Church.
Memorial contributions may me made to the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, 3601 S. Green Road, No. 100, Cleveland, OH 44122.