Donald H. Larsen

Donald H Larsen, age 89, of Richfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rita (nee Cunningham); his children, Bill (JoAnn), Rick (Anne), Jean (Eric) Nielsen and Rhonda Spann; his grandchildren, Dan (Kasey), Brian, Graham, Lily, Kyle (Meghan) Nielsen, Trevor (Jessica) Nielsen, Lindsey Spann, Ben (Cassidy) Spann, Jessica (Matthias) Gruich, Rebecca Spann; and great grandchildren Kennedy, Oliver and James. Don is also survived by sisters Jean (Glen) Dorow and Joan (Peter) Harbath. Preceded in death by his parents Harry and Helen Larsen; his sisters Thelma (Al) Murray and Gloria (Del) Fowler; and son-in-law William Spann.

Don was born May 16, 1934 and grew up in Parma before moving to Broadview Hts.

He graduated from Brecksville-Broadview Hts. High School in 1952 and was inducted into its Gallery of Achievement in 2004. He earned his business degree from Baldwin Wallace College in 1956.  Don served his country in the United States Army Reserves from 1957 to 1965.

In 1947, at the age of 13, Don joined his father, Harry, as he established the family business, Larsen Lumber and Supply Company in Brecksville, Ohio.  Don eventually took leadership of the company in 1986 and was proud to see the family legacy continue into the third and fourth generations. During this time Don was also active in the lumber industry by serving as President of the Cleveland Lumber Club and the Ohio Lumbermen’s Association.

Don served the Brecksville community for 33 years as a volunteer fireman for the Brecksville Fire Department achieving the rank of Lieutenant.

In 1960 Don moved his growing family to Richfield, Ohio where he embraced his new community. He was active in local politics beginning as a commissioner on the Charter Committee forming the Village of Richfield in 1967.  His dedication to Richfield culminated in his service as the Mayor of Richfield from 1996 until 2004. Don balanced his numerous civic commitments with enthusiastic giving to family and local youth as a Cub Scout Master and Little League baseball coach.

Moving into their retirement years, Don and Rita found much pleasure in Florida during the winter months, settling in Englewood  where they enjoyed spending time with their Hebblewhite Court family.

He will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to know him.

Friends may call on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Donald A. Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Rd., Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147.

A ceremony will take place at Faulhaber Funeral Home, on Tuesday, April 16, at 10:00 am, followed by interment at Highland Drive Cemetery in Brecksville.

Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to Brecksville Historical Association, PO Box 41403, Brecksville, Ohio, 44141, or the Richfield Senior Center 4410 W.

Streetsboro Road, Richfield Ohio, 44286.