Richard M. Zubek

Richard M. Zubek, 78, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Michael and Helen (Gresh) Zubek, Richard was born October 14, 1935 at Cleveland, Ohio.

Richard was a 1953 graduate of Cathedral Latin High School at Cleveland, Ohio. He then continued his education at Western Reserve School of Dentistry at Cleveland, Ohio graduating with his D.D.S. on June 15, 1960.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force with his first assignment being at Shemya, Alaska as the base dentist. Richard was then stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base at Dayton where he was promoted to Captain. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Richard practiced dentistry for more than 50 years.

Richard had a passion for music and was an accomplished musician on accordion, organ, piano, guitar and clarinet. In his younger years he was a member of various Big Band groups with his friends. He would later instill his love for music to his family. With his wife on violin and daughters on vocals, they shared their music ministry with others. Richard also found great joy in sharing his music as well as the Gospel with inmates at Tuscarawas and Stark County Jails. He also served as a pianist and organist at many churches including at Bethel Temple Assembly of God Church at Canton, Ohio where he was a member.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, shooting pool and simply spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Catherine (Heith) Yoder of Bolivar, Ohio, Carolyn (Tim) Nelsen of Lyons, Colorado and Cheryl (Mark) Henderson of North Canton, Ohio; three grandchildren, Nathan and Natalie Yoder and Tivoli Nelsen; a sister, Elaine (Andy) Szaniszlo of North Olmstead, Ohio and a special companion, Phyllis Husk of Canton, Ohio.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Linda (Thomas) Zubek whom he married on May 24, 1969. Richard and Linda shared 35 years of marriage prior to her passing on September 28, 2004.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Scott Spencer officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. Following the committal service, a luncheon will be held in the Hospitality Room at the Geib Funeral Center.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Richard by visiting the funeral home website, www.GeibCares.com.