Richard P. Baribault, 92, passed away on October 19, 2016 at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, Ohio. He was born on February 11, 1924 in New Haven Connecticut to Harry and Marion Baribault.
Richard grew up in New Haven, Connecticut where he graduated from Hillhouse High School. He also attended Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania in 1942.
He is a Yale University graduate, Class of 1949. His education was interrupted by WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943 and served for three and a half years as a P51 Fighter Pilot stationed in Colchester, England at Wormingford Air Base where he flew cover for B17 bombers over Germany.
As a freshman at Yale, his swimming career took off. Already swimming varsity, he and three other swimmers broke a world record in freestyle relay in 1943. In 1945 after the war ended, he swam in the US Army Olympics in Nuremburg, Germany and was a member of the 300-meter medley relay. He was also a member of the winning 400-meter freestyle relay. Rather than receiving a gold medal, he received a Rolex watch.
He returned to Yale and swimming in September 1946. As Team Captain, his senior year, the team won the National AAU (Athletic Association Union) in 1949. He graduated that year with a Degree in Engineering.
He spent his entire 40-year career in engineering and management with Alcoa, where he served in many roles from Sales Engineer to Purchasing Manager. Throughout his career he moved multiple times, living in Toledo, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. From 1970 to 1974 he served as President of Alcoa of Great Britain. From 1979 until 1988 when he retired, he was Vice President of Procurement for Alcoa.
He married Jule Jones in 1948 in New Haven, Connecticut. They were married for 49 years when she passed away in 1997.
In May of 1999, he married Elfriede Kovesdy of Rocky River, Ohio.
In November of 2015, he received the George H. W. Bush Lifetime of Leadership Award from Yale University Athletics.
Richard is survived by his spouse Elfriede of Rocky River, Ohio; his children, Richard, Kathleen (Michael), Amy (Ronald), Jack (Heather); Efriede’s sons, Arthur and Jeffrey Kovesdy; his brother Peter Baribault; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marion Baribault, his brother Harry Baribault and his first wife, Jule Jones Baribault.
Richard was a resident of Long Boat Key, Florida and Rocky River, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held at Rocky River United Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116 on Saturday November 5, 2016 at 10am.
Inurnment will follow the funeral at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110 or to a charity of your choice.
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Steve Clark
Freddie, I am sorry to hear that Dick passed away. I’m not sure how many times we met face-to-face, but I considered him a friend through skull and bones and the Yale pool effort. I will miss his jokes, his Yale loyalty and his patriotism. He was a wonderful example for me. Steve Clark
Frank Keefe
It is with a heavy heart I acknowledge the passing of one of the most important people in my life. Dick, and my father taught me how to swim, and provided me with a wonderful life long profession.
My heart and prayers go out to Freddie and all the Baribault family. We are only on loan for a few years fortunately we had Dick as part of that time.
Going to miss you partner, still, and never will get to beat you on the 18 hole walk.
Dick Kocerha
Dear Freddie,
Sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a good friend and business associate for many years and will be missed.
Will miss our sharing flying stories. Best wishes to the family.
Kim Lubba
Our deepest condolences go out to the Baribault family during your time of loss.
Much sympathy,
Kim, Brett, Griffin and Travis Lubba
Joan and Steve Yurman
Dear Freddie:
Steve and I send our deepest sympathy to you and family on the passing of Dick.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Joan and Steve
Jan ligon
So very sorry to hear the loss of this great man and will miss his Christmas card update on the family members. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
Rosemarie Goetsch
Jack, Heather & Tucker, my deepest sympathy on your loss your Father. He had a wonderful life and will always be remembered by many. Prayers for the Baribault Family will comfort you at this time.
Aunt Roe
Marcella Kelleher
Heather, Jack and Tucker,
May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Love,
Aunt Marcy
Beverly Ford
Dear Freddie and family,
I am so sad to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a wonderful friend to Alan and me and a fine influence on all who knew him. Eight years ago we had Dick and Dick Lyon here at Alan’s memorial service, almost the complete famous record breaking relay team! That’s a wonderful memory for me. I send my deepest sympathy. I know how much you will all miss him.
Lovingly,
Beverly
Marilyn Curtis
So sorry to hear about Dick’s death. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Marilyn Curtis
Greg Van Howe
Hi Freddie. So sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. It was like a shock wave going through me when I heard the news. I will miss my Monday afternoons with our gin rummy Captain. His stories, jokes and sarcasm always made my day. He was bigger than life to me. I will miss him.
My heartfelt sympathy to you, the family and all his many friends. Best regards.
Greg Van Howe
Beth Uffner
Dear Freddie, We were so sorry to hear of Dick’s death. We didn’t know him long or very well but he was a man with a big imprint and very witty to boot. We know how much he will be missed at the Westchester given his commitment (and yours too) to that community.
We send our deepest condolences to you and your families. Beth Uffner & Rob Goldfarb
Pat Yoder
So sorry to hear about Dick’s death. We have fond memories of the Baribaults as former next door neighbor’s in Sewickley. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sally and J Schriner
Freddie,
We are so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Ann and Clark Moore
Dear Freddie,
Clark and I were so sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. We so enjoyed the short time we spent with you folks at the Normandy Manor. Clark, especially, was so intrigued hearing of Dick’s flying during the war.
When you get through with this difficult time, Freddie, we hope you can spend time this winter in Longboat Key. Seems like that should help to lift one’s spirits.
Our best to you,
Ann and Clark Moore
Daniel P Davison Jr
Dear Freddy and the entire Baribault family. My Dad and Dick were the best of friends. I knew this as one of my Dad’s boat boys as a teenager and beyond when Dad would meander up to Maine each summer on his sailboat. Dick was a frequent member of this annual crew. Quarters were tight on Dad’s sailboat. I quickly figured out why Dick was a frequent member of the crew. He not only got along, he performed the important function of being a true member of the crew. Freddy, you joined us on one of those cruises and you know what it means to be a member of this crew. We were never in a hurry but knew where we were going. Much love from the entire Davison family who loved and was loved by your husband. Blessings to all. Dan Jr
Maureen Lopatynski
Dear Jack, Heather & Tucker, we are so sorry for your loss. He was a man to be admired. You are very Lucky to have had such a wonderful man who made a difference in the world. God bless you all.
Love, Aunt ‘Reen & Fred.
cynthia bailey
Dear Freddie, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s death. You and he had many lovely years together, and you were the best wife to him! You are always so kind and caring. My deepest sympathy to you , Freddie, at this time of sadness. Fondly, Cynthia Bailey
joe kurkul
So sorry Dear Freddy,
I only knew Dick for a short time, but I think we became good friends. I shall miss him, from the CYC ginn group. I’m so sorry for your loss. God bless and keep you.
Charles Norman & Brenda Bennett, Jr.
Our thoughts, prayers & best wishes to all family members upon his passing. Brenda and I pray God’s blessings upon all who are grieving. We ask God’s blessing upon all who have been touched by such a wonderful Life! Rev. Dr. Norman & Brenda Bennett. (Kathy & Michael’s next door neighbors in Myrtle Beach, SC)
Mike and Valerie Church
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. We found him to be a very interesting man, dedicated to his country, family and friends. We always enjoyed chatting with him at Westchester and know that he will be missed there. It was a pleasure to have known him. Hold dear your memories, and we hope that knowing others care will bring a smile to your faces. In deepest sympathy, Mike and Valerie Church.
Ken Knight
I am very sorry to learn of Mr. Baribault’s passing. I never met him, but recently purchased his 1974 MGB GT that he bought in Great Britain and shipped over to the states. He kept excellent care of it and as I went through the vehicles service records and documentation, I learned that the original owner was employed by ALCOA at the time of purchase. A good friend’s father was employed at the same company during this time and knew him well. He sent me Mr. Baribault’s obituary this morning. I consider it an honor to now be the caretaker of his old car and want to pass along my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Nicholas Cheremeteff
Dear Freddy and the entire Baribault Family,
I sailed / cruised with Dick several summers in the early 90’s with my Uncle. He was fun, kind and instructive. I liked being in his company and I admired him as a man.
My very belated condolences on your loss. Heaven is a much better place with him in it.
Regards Nick Cheremeteff