Richard Creed 1931-2024

He was born Dec. 26, 1931, in Struthers, a son of Joe and Mabel Lyon Creed.

Dick was a 1950 graduate of Struthers High School. He was a standout athlete and participated in football and basketball. Dick was inducted into the Struthers Hall of Fame in 1988. After graduating, Dick received a four-year scholarship for football to the University of Louisville, Kentucky. After two seasons, he, along with many others, was drafted into the service. Dick went home and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. After three years, he was honorably discharged. Dick returned to Struthers and attended Youngstown College and received a two-year associate business degree. He started his own construction company, building homes in Struthers, Boardman, Poland and surrounding areas.

On Nov. 22, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Roemer; they were married for 65 years and raised four children, Megan, Josh, Todd and T.C.

Dick’s love of sports brought him into officiating football and basketball. He advanced in football from high school to 22 years as an on-field official in the NFL. He officiated 25 playoff games, including Super Bowls 26 and 30. The NFL allowed him to travel all over the United States and the world to officiate, including Berlin, Frankfurt, London and Sweden. Dick retired in 1998 from the NFL, but continued to work as a replay official for an additional 15 years. Dick was awarded the Art McNally Award, which is displayed in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton.

One of Dick’s biggest enjoyments was watching his grandchildren, Elijah and Ella, participate in sports. He also enjoyed watching his son, T.C., who officiated football and basketball. Being in physical shape was important to Dick, and he could be found every day at the Youngstown YMCA or the IFC Center in Struthers.

Dick will be remembered by his four children, Josh Creed and Todd Creed, both of Struthers, Megan Creed of Austintown and T.C. (Kimberly) Creed, of Poland, Ohio; and grandchildren, Elijah, Ella and Everett.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mabel Creed; his wife, JoAnn Creed; and two brothers, William Creed and Thomas Creed.

There will be no calling hours or services.

The family would like to thank Donna Roemer for sharing her companionship with Dick, for the past two years.

The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Valley, for their care of Dick.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley; or Akron Children’s hospital.

Arrangements are entrusted to Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers, Ohio.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

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