SANDUSKY - Richard B. "Dick" Fuller, 85, a former mayor and city commissioner who formerly owned and operated a manufacturing company here, died Monday in Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. The family did not know the cause of death.
Mr. Fuller owned and operated Universal Clay Products from about 1948, when he took it over from his father, Clarence, until 1989, when it was sold.
A decorated Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Fuller was Sandusky mayor in 1954 and 1955 and served on the Sandusky City Commission from 1953 to 1957.
As a city commissioner, Mr. Fuller was instrumental in founding the Sandusky Power Squadron, of which he was the commander, in 1953. As mayor, he was known for construction of the City Building.
Mr. Fuller was later president and board member of the Sandusky City Schools from 1962 until 1984. He was proud of having presented all five of his children with their high school diplomas in that capacity.
Most recently, Mr. Fuller served on the Citizens Banking Co. board until retiring in 2005 after 40 years of service.
"He was a businessman, a community leader, and great father," his son, Jeff, said. "He was compassionate, never met a stranger, genuine, kind, supportive, and patient."
A Sandusky native, Mr. Fuller received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Ohio State University in 1942. The start of his professional career was delayed by World War II.
Mr. Fuller served in the Army's First Special Service Force from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1946 in Europe, where he was wounded by shrapnel. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
In 1954, he married Nancy Hohler. She died in 1996.
Mr. Fuller was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Sandusky.
Surviving are his wife of eight years, Karen Fuller; sons, Jeff, Jay, Jon, and Joel; daughter, Jennifer Colton; stepdaughter, Sherry Popke; and 10 grandchildren.
Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. today in Grace Episcopal Church, Sandusky. Arrangements are by the Groff Funeral Home, Sandusky. The family suggests tributes to the church or Dick Fuller Predicted Log Memorial Fund, care of the Sandusky Yacht Club.
First Published May 18, 2006, 9:01 a.m.
