Richard Daniel Paré

Richard Daniel Paré, 83, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. He was born on November 26, 1942, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the fourth son of Alfred and Yvonne (Valliere) Paré. Richard grew up in New Britain, Connecticut, where he distinguished himself as a standout athlete in multiple sports. His dedication and talent earned him a four-year football scholarship to Morehead State University, where he graduated with student-athlete honors. He went on to receive a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, earning a Master of Science degree, and later completed a Master of Arts degree at Xavier University. Education became his life’s calling, and Richard devoted 45 years as a science teacher in Lebanon, Ohio, shaping generations of young minds. Beyond the classroom, Richard made a profound impact through athletics. He was a respected and highly successful high school football coach whose influence extended far beyond wins and losses, leaving a lasting mark on countless young men. He also spent innumerable hours in the passenger seat of the driver’s education car, patiently teaching hundreds of teenagers how to safely navigate the road. Another of his great passions was wrestling—first as a coach and later as an official—traveling throughout Southwestern Ohio. His commitment to the sport was ultimately recognized with his induction into the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald Paré; and his sisters-in-law, Jenny and Carol. He is survived by his beloved partner, Jean Leake of Louisville, Kentucky, and her children Darla, Scott, and Terri; his sons, Patrick (Stephanie) Paré and Christopher (Julie) Paré, and their mother, Mary Alice Jaynes; and his cherished grandchildren, Joshua (Miranda), Jackson, Hayden, and Griffin Paré. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Carsen and Paisley. Richard is further survived by his brothers, Larry (Rhella) Paré and Lenny Paré. Also honoring the memory of their Uncle Richie are his nieces and nephews Pam, Tommy, Mathew, Susan, Christine, Michael, Michelle, and Annie, along with their spouses and many children. Richard will be remembered as a devoted educator, mentor, coach, and family man whose positivity, discipline, and enthusiasm enriched the lives of all who knew him. He had a heart of gold. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, followed by a 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway. Burial will be at 4:00 p.m. (EST) at Aberdeen Baptist Church Cemetery, Morgantown, KY.

Richard Daniel Paré

November 26, 1942 - January 7, 2026