Obituary of Richard Charles Light
Richard Charles Light was born on June 18, 1933, in Detroit. He was the son of the late Kenneth O. Light and the late Marion (Trombly) Light. Richard attended 10 years of seminary prior to deciding on a career in education. Richard received his Bachelor degree in Education from the University of Detroit. He then earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Wayne State University and an education specialist degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Richard married the love of his life Beverly Ann Weiss on June 23, 1962, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. The couple would be blessed with five children. Richard worked hard to provide for his family in the Gibraltar School District for 33 years, as a teacher, counselor, superintendent, before becoming principal of Melvin Chapman Elementary School in Rockwood. He was a dedicated educator and was loved by his coworkers and students, retiring in 1995. Richard was also very active in the community, holding several positions including past-president of the Rockwood Rotary and as a Board Member for the Downriver School Employees Credit Union.
Everyone who knew him will surely remember his witty sense of humor. His children remember him as a very loving parent who instilled a strong work ethic and the value of education. Richard was an avid Red Wings fan and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He had several hobbies including gardening, wood-working, and stained-glass. He is also remembered by his family as someone who was always easy to talk to and very enjoyable to be around.
Richard Charles Light, age 85 of Carleton passed away at his home on February 22, 2019, surrounded by his family. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his brother Kenneth Light and sister-in-law Irene Light.
To cherish his memory, Richard leaves his beloved wife: Beverly Ann Light; his children: Dennis Allen (Katherine) Light of Monroe, Brian Richard (Susan) Light of Flat Rock, Eric Michael (Collette) Light of Warren, Maureen Therese (Lee) DeCarlo of Monroe, Sharon Marie Light of Livonia; his sisters: Carol (Roby) Harris of Fowlerville, Marion Light of Warren; his brothers: Jim (Carol) Light of Fenton, David (Isabel) of Florida: his grandchildren: Stephen, Nicole, Rachel, Sarah, Shannon, Vincent, Phillip, Natalie, Cortney, Allison; and numerous relatives and friends.
Friends may gather on Thursday, February 28, 2019, 3:00pm until 8:00pm, with a rosary said around 6:30pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 N. Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary, Our Lady of Annunciation, Rockwood on Friday, March 1, 2019, at 10:30am.
Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monroe Knights of Columbus Goodfellows.