Cover photo for Richard J. Toberen's Obituary
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1938 Richard 2025

Richard J. Toberen

January 30, 1938 — January 5, 2025

Dublin, Ohio

Richard J. Toberen, age 86, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Claude and Dora Toberen, Dick was a graduate of Columbus South High School, Class of 1956. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Dick was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a long-time member of Dublin Community Church, who along with his late wife Nancy, was an active member in the Mr. & Mrs. Club. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Washington Township Fire Department from 1968-1987. In addition, Dick was a long-time member of the Dublin Historical Society. For over 20 years, Dick was a teacher of electro-mechanics at Northland Career Center in Columbus before retiring in 1995.

Dick’s family writes many personal memories about their dad and grandfather. “Dad, you were one of a kind and no one compares to you! Your infectious smile, giant hugs, loving words are just a few of the things we will always remember. Heaven gained an amazing angel and this world lost as amazing person. Our dad was a man of strong character and a deep sense of duty. He was a veteran who instilled in others the values of discipline and resilience. He continued his commitment to others as a firefighter, putting his life on the line to protect his community. His family was the center of his world and he cherished every moment he spent with us. We will remember Dad for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.” 

Dick’s grandson JJ writes: “My grandfather was a devoted husband, an exceptional father, and an even better grandfather. He possessed an extraordinary ability to engage in extended conversations with complete strangers on a wide variety of topics, making him an always-pleasing person to be around. When not immersed in enjoyable discussions, he could be found outdoors, tending to his extensive garden, bushes and trees. His remarkable talent for nurturing his garden is a skill I aspire to emulate in my own life. He served as an exemplary role model for his daughters and grandchildren, inspiring me to strive for similar qualities in my own life as a husband and father to my own two wonderful daughters. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will forever be cherished.”

Dick’s grandson Will shares: ”…thank you for everything you did for me. You were someone I could always come to. You always had the best advice for me.” His granddaughter Maddie adds: ”He was the most genuine, caring person on earth. I’m blessed for our time we got to spend together and for your thoughtful advice. He was my best friend.” Dick's granddaughter Michala writes: "He was the most caring and loving person I have ever known.  He would do anything for his family and I could always go to him for anything.  He was always there for me when I needed someone to listen or to talk to.  We would talk for hours about anything and everything.  His smile and hugs will be missed everyday.  Thank you for everything, Grandpa." His grandson David writes:”He was everything you could ever want in a grandfather.  A grandpa who was always there for you.  He always had a smile, greeted everyone with a hug and was a true fighter for our country.”  Alexis, Dick’s granddaughter who lives in Memphis shares: “I’ve never met a better human being.  The loving and caring personality Grandpa had was something truly awe-inspiring for anyone who met him.  We are blessed to have had a man like him in our lives.  I will miss our hour-long phone calls, hearing all of his stories, and I will miss his big hugs.  He never failed to put a smile on my face even on the toughest of days.”

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Shriver Toberen. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Henry J., John W., and Robert J. Toberen, and his nephews Henry J. Toberen, II and Robert J. Toberen, II. He is survived by his sister Patricia J. Toberen, daughters and sons-in-law: Patricia & Ron Grycko and Karen Jo & Tom Adolph; grandchildren: Jason J. “JJ” (Kristin) Grycko, Alexis N. (Evan) Michael, Michala A. Grycko, Madelyn Ann “Maddie” Adolph, David Thomas Adolph, and William Richard Adolph; great-granddaughters: Kennedy Grycko and Kinsley Grycko, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Family will receive friends from 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025 at the DUBLIN COMMUNITY CHURCH, 81 West Bridge Street, Dublin, OH 43017 where his Funeral Service will follow the visitation and begin at 12:00 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025 with Reverend Lisa Bowersock, officiating. Dick will be laid to rest beside his beloved Nancy at Dublin Cemetery immediately after the service.

The Tidd Funeral Home, Dublin-Plain City Chapel, 9720 S.R. 161, Plain City, OH 43064 (614)-733-0080, assisted the family. Please visit www.tiddfuneralhomes.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Toberen Family.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Richard J. Toberen, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, January 25, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Dublin Community Church

81 W Bridge St, Dublin, OH 43017

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Funeral Service

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Dublin Community Church

81 W Bridge St, Dublin, OH 43017

Reverend Lisa Bowersock, officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Dublin Cemetery.

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