Richard John Glenn, 85, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, 29 August 2026. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, and friend, and a lifelong member of the Massillon community.

Richard was the son of John and Jean Glenn, née Featheringham, and brother of Dale and Patricia. He was the beloved husband of Margaret Glenn, née Hoffman, with whom he shared nearly 69 years of marriage. Their story began in 1956, when Richard traveled to the Rose Bowl Parade with the Massillon Tiger Swing Band. It was a trip he spoke about often through the years-not just because of the experience, but because it was where he met Margaret.

Richard and Margaret raised three children: Catherine (Gary) Horning, John (Ursula) Glenn, and Megan (Jon) Verhoff. He was a proud grandfather to Erin (Chris) Norris, Elizabeth (Derek) Lyons, Ben, Sam, and Anna Verhoff, and a delighted great-grandfather to Harrison, Richard, and George Norris, and Brigid and Declan Lyons.

Richard was known for his quick wit, playful spirit, and knack for getting into a little trouble. He loved a good practical joke and never took himself too seriously. He brought that sense of fun wherever he went, including dressing as the Grinch for the Timken Company Christmas party and, naturally, recruiting his beloved Labrador Retriever, Chester, to play Max.

Richard had a remarkable work ethic, spending 42 years at Timken as an expediter, where he ensured that materials and parts were where they needed to be to keep production and operations running smoothly. After he retired, it took three people to replace him, something that came as no surprise to anyone who knew him.

A proud Massillon Tiger through and through, Richard graduated from Washington High School, where he was a three-year member of the Massillon Tiger Swing Band and served as Student Director his senior year. His love for the Tigers never faded. After graduation, he became a season ticket holder and remained one for the rest of his life, passionately cheering for the Tigers from the 45-yard line on the "TIG" side and enjoying every victory over Canton McKinley. He continued to support the band as a volunteer with the Band Parents Club and served as its president for two years.

Music and faith were constant throughout Richard’s life. From his days in the Swing Band to singing in the Greater Canton Men’s Chorus, music brought him great joy, especially when he could share it with others. He was often asked to sing the Lord’s Prayer during church services. And he gave his time generously, teaching Sunday school and volunteering with the Salvation Army of Massillon, where he previously served on the Advisory Board.

Richard’s love of music naturally extended to dancing. At his granddaughters’ weddings, he could be found on the dance floor all night, entertaining everyone with his signature moves, including “the Shark” and “the Rooster.” His joy was infectious, and he had a way of getting everyone out on the dance floor and joining in the fun.

During his retirement, Richard found peace in his garden. He became a Master Gardener and loved spending time on his John Deere. Margaret often put what Richard grew in their backyard to good use in her well-loved recipes. It was just one of the many ways they complemented each other. They were rarely apart and were always up to something together, sharing a life filled with hard work, laughter, and a love for their family, church, and community.

Above all, Richard was Margaret’s husband. For nearly 70 years, she was his partner, best friend, and the love of his life. Their journey began with a cross-country trip to the Rose Bowl and continued through seven decades of shared adventures. Richard’s love for Margaret was evident in the way he cared for her, cherished her, and found happiness in simply being by her side.

Richard leaves behind a family who will miss his humor, his music, his dancing, and, most of all, his love.

Visitation will be held at Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Cross in North Lawrence, Ohio, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Tom Fish officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s honor to Chapel of the Cross Church, 14411 Orrville St NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666.

Condolences to the family may be made here on our website.

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248