Richard "Dick" John Kuzma

Richard “Dick” Kuzma Richard J. Kuzma, age 89, of Oregon, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at home surrounded by family. He was born on December 17, 1935 in Toledo, Ohio to Stephen and Katherine (Jagos) Kuzma. Dick was a graduate of Macomber High School and Bowling Green State University. He proudly served in the United States Army in the American occupation forces in Germany. He did so with four lifelong friends – Andy Zsigray, John Sanders, Ernie Berg, and Ron Demko – who all enlisted together. Dick, who grew up in the Birmingham neighborhood in East Toledo, attended St. Stephen School before enrolling at Macomber, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. Following his time in the Army (1954-56) he resumed his athletic career in both sports at BGSU on scholarship. Playing for legendary coach Harold Anderson, Dick was part of the Falcons' Mid-American Conference championship team that also reached the NCAA tournament in 1959. Baseball was where he excelled. A hard-hitting shortstop, he earned All-MAC honors. At the end of his 35 years in coaching, BGSU's Warren Steller told The Blade that Kuzma and teammate Ron Blackledge were the best two hitters he ever coached. After his junior season, Dick had tryouts with the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Athletics, he received an offer from Detroit, but opted to return for his senior year at BGSU. After completing his B.S. Degree in education, Kuzma began his 32-year career as a high school teacher and head basketball coach, with posts at Carey (1960-63), Ottawa Hills (1963-74), and Waite (1974-92). At Carey, he was also head football and baseball coach. At Ottawa Hills, where his teams won five league titles, he was also head baseball coach and a football assistant. At Waite, he guided the boys basketball team and later the girls varsity squad. His teams combined for over 200 wins. Dick was inducted into the Birmingham and Ottawa Hills Athletic Hall of Fames. Known as an empathetic and patient educator, he was a mentor and role model for hundreds of young men and women. He often went above and beyond to help his students, approaching life situations with a positive perspective. A man of many skills and interests, Dick was an expert lifelong fisherman, a low handicap golfer, photographer, skier, and an avid vegetable gardener, who also made his own wine. He read scripture at mass for over 50 years. The love and care shown by all members of his family in his final weeks are a testament to the love and care he showed them their entire lives. His leadership played a large role in the successful lives of his four children and eight grandchildren. Simply put, he was just a really cool guy, always ready with a warm smile and a funny comeback. Dick was married to love of his life, Barb, for 67 years. It was a journey that included golfing together, hosting family gatherings, nearly 50 years of camping trips to Lake Charlevoix, Mich., and numerous other vacations in their retirement years. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Cathy Jo (Scott Sibley) Kuzma, Richard (Barbara) Kuzma II, Ronald (Laura) Kuzma; son-in-law, Mike O’Reilly; grandchildren, Hailey (Stephen) Malaczewski, Emily Kuzma, Cameron (Sheila) O’Reilly, Richard (Katie) Kuzma III, Olivia O’Reilly, Kaleb Kuzma, Scout Sivar, and Miles Sibley; great-grandchildren, Zeus, Zella, Zane, and Isla; and his sister, Arlene Kazmierski. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Barbara A. Kuzma-O’Reilly; and brother, Stephen Kuzma. 

Family and friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3-8:00 p.m. where a scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Epiphany of the Lord Parish-St. Stephen Catholic Church where additional visitation will take place from 10-11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Ottawa Hill High School Athletic Department, or Waite High School Athletic Department.

www.freckchapel.com