Richard Soller

Arnold “Richard” Soller, also referred to as “Dick” and “Toppy,” and was a beloved member of the community, passed away on October 7, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born in Michigan City, IN, on February 23, 1927, Richard dedicated his life to his family, career, faith and staying fit.

Richard was a Display Material Manager at Procter and Gamble for 40 years and is where he met Jean, his wife of almost 65 years. He held a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University, was a World War II Army Veteran, and for 41 years was an accomplished senior track and field athlete.  He has won well over 1,200 trophies, medals, and plaques.  He always enjoyed meeting people, building and keeping lifelong friendships, traveling, and staying healthy through fitness.   His favorite mantra was “Everything in Moderation”.

Richard was an Ohio Senior Olympics Board member and Treasurer from 1992-2018 and he is a 2007 member of the Ohio Senior Olympics Hall of Fame.  He was one of the first medal winners at Ohio’s first State Games in 1981.His favorite events to compete in at Ohio State Games, National Senior Games, and USATF Master Meets included: 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m dash, 1500m racewalk, 5k, long jump, and high jump.  He completed 2 full marathons with his daughter Mary when he was in his 80’s and participated in local 10k and 5k races, most recently with Mary pushing Jean (wife) by his side.

He was also a dedicated member of the Oak Hills Presbyterian Church for over 44 years, where he shared his knowledge and faith by teaching Sunday School for years, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered.

He was a caregiver for his wife Jean with Alzheimer’s and has always adored her and grateful for her support in traveling and cheering him on at all of his competitions in over 35 different states and overseas throughout the years.  He would say “God Bless Her.”

The most recurring words used to describe Richard were:  Kind, Compassionate, a Motivator, an amazing human being, positive, an awesome man, has a cheerful heart, a special person, inspiring, and a remarkable man.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Jean Soller, devoted daughter Mary (Trish Crump) Soller, and his nephew Eric (Stephanie) Soller. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Arnold and Vera(Mross) Soller, mother, Clarise Luger, brother, Robert Soller, and sister, Anne Hennessey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024 from 12:30pm-1:30pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE Line). Funeral services will follow at 1:30pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 2:30pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers , please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Senior Games Association (NSGA).