Richard Leroy Crist, 75, of Athens, OH passed away on August 23, 2023 at his home. He was born on October 21,1947 in Harrisburg, PA to the late Robert E. Crist Sr. and Mildred Cecil (Jennings) Crist.

His love of music was nurtured at a very early age leading him to pursue music education at Messiah University in Grantham, PA. After receiving his Masters in Voice from New England Conservatory of Music, Richard moved to New York City to pursue his dreams on the operatic stage. His career took him around the world to the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Staatsoper Hamburg, to name just a few of the illustrious houses in which he sang. His superlative musicianship, sonorous bass voice, and remarkable stage presence will forever be remembered by all those who had the privilege to witness it.

Upon his retirement from performance, Richard became Professor of Voice at several universities throughout the country, ending his teaching career at Ohio University in Athens where he was also Director of Opera Theater.

He was a devoted son, husband, and father, always ready to lend a helping hand whether to repair your roof, cook you a five-course meal, attend a performance, or watch a soccer game. His humor and wit were always at the ready and his laugh filled the room every time. He was a man of honor, love, beauty and peace.

Richard is preceded in death by his brother, Robert E. Crist Jr., sister-in-law N. Ann (Neenan) Crist, brother-in-law Eamonn Brennan, and sister-in-law Sinead (Brennan) Summerhill.

Surviving is his wife Yvonne (Brennan) Crist, former wife Assunta Ercolano, daughter Tanya Crist, sons Patrick and Daniel Crist, grandsons Alexander, Christopher, and Evan Vamvoukakis, sister Ruth Willard (and husband Ross), sister Robin Guringo, sisters-in-law Paula Fay (and husband Gerry) and Catherine Wrightstone (and husband Todd), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Richland United Methodist Church (60 Pomeroy Rd, Athens, OH) with Pastor Bob lngram officiating on Saturday, October 21st at 1:00 p.m.  All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to United Cerebral Palsy, the Ohio Innocence Project, or Autism Speaks.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.