Richard Brian Copeland, 78, of Vermilion, died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Kingston Residence of Vermilion after a brief illness.
He was born January 8, 1940 in Lorain and had been a life long Vermilion resident.
Richard was a veteran of the US Air Force.
He worked for Ohio Edison as a Lineman, doing high line construction for 33 years retiring in 1996.
Richard was passionate about sailing and participated in many sailing events, including the Fastnet Race. He enjoyed reading, car races, and watching the Cleveland Browns.
He is survived by his daughter, Marianne (Darrell) Bielecki of Vermilion; sons, John (Ingrid) Copeland of LaVergne, TN and Donald (Lisa) Copeland of Port Clinton; grandchildren, Richard, Chance, and Bryce; and his brother, Arthur (Marian) Copeland of Westlake.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Hedwig (nee Riedel) Copeland and his sister Melissa Copeland.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018 from 2:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 5:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion Ohio. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors just prior to the funeral service at 5:00 pm. The Reverend Chris Robinson will officiate.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Salvation Army, 4560 Liberty Ave # 8, Vermilion, OH 44089
Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.