Richard "Dick" Louis Letizia's Obituary
Richard ("Dick") Louis Letizia, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 23, 2026.
Dick was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on January 28, 1941, the oldest child of Louis and Mary Letizia. He graduated from Mansfield High School in 1959 and attended Findlay College for two years before leaving to join the family business, Safety Cab and Safeway Transit Systems, Inc, where he ultimately became General Manager and President. Dick cast a large leadership shadow and was elected President of both the Ohio Taxi Association and the Ohio Bus Association, honors bestowed upon him by his peers.
Dick met the love of his life, Judith ("Judie") Crum, in 1966. They were set up by friends on a blind date and knew immediately that they were meant to be together. They married on October 8, 1966, and remained loving and devoted through the ups and downs of 60 years together. Their wedding rings were engraved with the words, "Longer than forever," and Judie finds comfort in knowing she will see Dick again in heaven.
In 1978, the Letizia family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where Dick began a successful career in real estate. The move to Florida brought warmth, sunshine, and a newfound relationship with Jesus Christ. Dick was led to faith through a devout couple he met at work, and that chance meeting changed everything for both Dick and Judie. Faith became the centerpiece of their marriage, their hearts, and their home. Dick always called Judie the love of his life—until he accepted Jesus Christ, after which Judie became his "close second."
Dick remained devoted to his faith throughout his life. He participated in years of Bible study, worked with Kairos Prison Ministry, and served as both an Elder and Deacon in multiple churches. His love for Jesus Christ transformed his life, his marriage, and his relationship with the world around him.
Dick and Judie returned to Columbus in 1983 and joined Dublin Baptist Church before eventually becoming members of Christian Fellowship Church, where Judie served as a biblically based family counselor. Christian Fellowship Church became their church home for 35 years and the source of many lifelong friendships.
Dick was easy to love. He was kind, patient, empathetic, and non-confrontational. He led with quiet confidence, and people were naturally drawn to his goodness. He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to watching the Buckeyes. He loved playing golf, especially with his grandson Austin, whom he proudly described as his forever "golf buddy."
Dick was devoted to Judie, treating her like a queen and affectionately calling her his "Beautiful Bride." They remained united in mind, body, and faith until the very end. Judie was by Dick's side when he was called home. She loved him enough to let him go and is comforted by the promise that he is now "absent from the body, present with the Lord."
Dick loved his family deeply and will be missed by many, including his nine grandchildren: Taryn, Tessa, Chance, Cheyenne, Tiffany, Jordan, Austin, Wesley, and Carson. Poppy loved each of you dearly and took immense joy and pride in your lives. He loved watching you play sports and grow into loving, accomplished, and interesting young adults. He also felt incredibly blessed by his two great-grandchildren, Asher and Calla.
Dick is survived by many who loved him, including his wife of 60 years, Judie; his children, Tom (Ann) Curatti, Christina Parker (Tad), Jay (Pamela) Curatti, and Mary Elizabeth "Libbie" (Dan) Rohrs; his four siblings, Jim (Gerry) Letizia, JoAnn (Dave) Hamblin, Louis Jr. (Peg) Letizia, and Jeannie (Dick) Hartman; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Letizia.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Until then, please keep the Letizia family close in your hearts and prayers as they navigate the loss of a beloved husband, father, great-grandfather, brother, and cherished "Poppy."
Dick lived a life marked by faith, devotion, kindness, and love. As those who knew him remember his legacy, they take comfort in the words of Scripture:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7
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