Richard J. Thiel, age 81, of Troy, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at The Ohio State University Wexler Hospital.

He was born on May 6, 1936 in Detroit, MI to the late Herman and Rose (Pennezoli) Thiel. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years: Connie Sue (Vogel) Thiel.

Richard is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law: Fred and Santina Thiel of McComb Township, MI; their children: Suzanne Thiel/Wasmund, Cristina Spegon and Fred Thiel II and eleven grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews on the Vogel side of the family.

Richard received his BA at St. Joseph's College and completed his masters at University of Dayton. He served a number of years as a Catholic Priest with the Society of the Precious Blood and was laicized back into the lay membership of the church.Richard was a member of the Troy Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and Eagles Lodge at Indian Lake. He retired from ABF Trucking after many years of service. He was an avid golfer and his golf buddies brought him much joy. Special thanks to all his golf friends and to friends: Lee and Linda Roth and Sean and Molly Slack for all their support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Troy.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday at Baird Funeral Home, Troy.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 15120 Collections Center Dr. Lock Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 or Charity of Choice. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.