Richard J. Schleier, 90, of Starks went home to be with the Lord, Sunday August 23, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Richard's kindness, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. He was born May 14, 1935, in Astoria, New York, the eldest child of Elsie and Edward Schleier. He grew up in New York where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for family. Richard also spent several years serving in the US Marine Corps. All that knew him, knew he took great pride in his service. His favorite quote was "Once a marine, always a marine." And he would always say, "Semper Fi'"! Richard later went on to marry Georgette, the love of his life, on May 2, 1965. Together they became the parents of five children and the grandparents to fifteen grandchildren and also fourteen great grandchildren. He moved his family from Long Island, NY, to Starks in 1982. It was there that he made many life log friends, neighbors and memories. Starks will forever be where he called his home. You could always find Richard casting a pole into a stream or taking long endless drives looking for moose or deer. His love for the outdoors was like no other. Along with his love for hunting and fishing though, also came the "tall tales." Lord knows Richard loved to tell la good story. He will be forever thankful for those who took the time to sit and listen. Richard tragically lost his beloved wife Georgette in 2011 after forty-five wonderful years of marriage. It was shortly thereafter that the lord placed Cathy in his life when he needed companionship and love the most. Richard and Cathy were married on June 30, 2012, and with that marriage he also gained four "bonus children" and four "bonus grandchildren" whom he grew to love. Richard will be sadly missed by his wife Cathy of 13 years, his sister Ann Tilley, and his five children: Cindy Laney and her husband Troy, Gail Schleier, Wendy Schleier and her husband Jon, Richard Schleier and his wife Shanda, and Amy Norton and her husband Aaron; his four step-children: Kimberly McLean and her husband Darrell, Susan Bosader and her partner "Rig", Kelly Jacob, and Michael Jacob and his wife Stephanie. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Steven (Miranda), Joshua, Mickella (Mitch), Shakora (Rick), Dylon (Josie), Joseph, Hannah (Danny), Jacquelyn (Kevin), Alexandria (Paul), Autumn (Elijah), Emilee, Kamdyn, Gavin, Max, Makayla, Demetrius, and Selene; and great grandchildren: Marcus, Teagan, Ezekiel, Aubrey, Emery, Bailey, Aleigha, Carter, Avonlea, Simon, Marnie, Raymond, Jesse and Tucker. He is predeceased by his wife Georgette, his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law Janice and Robert Kellermann. Funeral will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at First Congressional Church, 21 Elm St. North Anson, at 11:00am.