Richard Zura Obituary

Richard Allen Zura

May 27, 1937 - Mar 15, 2026

Bay View

Richard Allen Zura, 88, of Bay View, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at The Meadows of Osborne Park, Huron. Richard was born May 27, 1937, in Put-in-Bay, to parents Joseph and Anna D. (Ontko) Zura. He graduated from Put-in-Bay High School in 1955. Richard attended Bowling Green State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in biology in 1959, a bachelor of science degree in Education in 1962 and a master's degree in biology in 1963. Richard was a Science and Biology teacher for Danbury Schools. During the summers, he worked at Island Airlines and at Parker's Garage, where he was known for tuning up cottagers' lawn mowers.

Richard had a deep affinity for the Ford Tri-motor airplane; in fact, he rebuilt one of the Tri-motor's engines. He was well-known for his meticulously kept yard and his tradition of crafting red, white, and blue Easter eggs. He often remarked that the best decision he ever made was purchasing his John Deere Zero Turn lawnmower. His extensive knowledge of Put-in-Bay history was a source of pride and enjoyment for many. He was an avid birder who enjoyed feeding songbirds, geese, and the Bay View turkeys.

Richard is survived by his loving sister, Sue Moxley of Huron; nephew, Michael (Lisa) Moxley of Elyria; nieces, Allison Zura of Put-in-Bay and Leanne (Carl) Harrison of Kent; and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna (Ontko) Zura; brother, Daniel Zura; sister-in-law, Lynne Zura; nephew, Mark Zura; brother-in-law, Edward Moxley; and special friend, Betty Rinehart.

Visitation will be at a later date at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Rd. Lakeside-Marblehead, OH. Interment will be in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Put-in-Bay.

Memorials may be made to LEIHS (Lake Erie Island Historical Society) or Liberty Aviation Museum.

Online condolences can be made at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.