Richard W Xifo

On Friday, December 31, 2021, Richard William Xifo passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 68 with his loving husband Jeffrey, family, and friends at his side. Rich was born on September 16, 1953, in Elizabeth, NJ to Harry Enrico and Louise (Conde) Xifo. He grew up in Clark, NJ and after high school enlisted in the Air Force from 1973-1975. He worked security during the time he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. After an honorable discharge, he worked as an EMT in Billings, MT and then later relocated back to New Jersey where he obtained his private and then his commercial pilot licenses. He flew corporate aviation as Captain including Lear Jets, Citations and King Airs living in Chicago and Northern Virginia during his pilot aviation career until he was in his late 30s. He later went into aviation management working for the National Air Transportation Association, Simuflite and ultimately retired as Vice President from Executive Jet Management. After retirement, he studied three years through the University of Duluth Theological Seminary and under Archbishop Charles E. Smith, OSF at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral and was ordained as an Orthodox Catholic Priest on August 22, 2015. He was solemnly professed as a Franciscan shortly before his death. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Ray, Mike and Lorraine, and his Father-In-law (and fellow pilot and Air Force member), Dan Logel. He is survived by his husband, Jeffrey Michael Logel, his mother-in-law Lynne Logel, close niece Louise Xifo, chosen daughter Cobi Meyer and many extended family members. Rich and Jeffrey were together twenty-nine (29) years. They held a wedding ceremony on May 25, 2013, and were later legally married once marriage equality became law. Rich had a passion for service to his church, aviation, woodworking, being with his close friends and family, and spending time with his faithful Chihuahua, Batman.

The first visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6 from 5-8pm at Radel Funeral Home at 650 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233 (in Delhi). The second visitation is on Friday January 7 from 10am – 12 noon at Our Lady of Peace (OLP) Orthodox Catholic Church at 119 Wocher Ave, Cincinnati OH 45233. Funeral Mass will follow at noon at OLP. Private Interment (for family only) will be at Lakeside Mausoleum 2 at Spring Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, The Trevor Project, American Cancer Society or Our Lady of Peace Cathedral.