Richard "Dick" Probst

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Richard “Dick” Probst, on February 22, 2026, just one month after celebrating his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Dick was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Joni, for 63 wonderful years. Their love was the center of his world and an example to all who knew them. He was a loving father to Kim Custer (George), Kellie O’Brien (Dan), and Tracy Masminster (Rob). He was a proud and wonderful grandpa to his ten cherished grandchildren and their amazing significant others, whom he warmly welcomed into the family: Danielle Mazza (Max), Nick Custer (Krista), Ryan Custer, McKenzie Hartmann (Joe), Ashley Faillace (Dominic), Austin O’Brien (Abby), Jake O’Brien (Morgan), Morgan Masminster (Jacob), Josh Masminster (Sarah), and Luke Masminster (Brooke).

He was also a very proud great-grandpa to Charlotte, Frankie, Collins, Brooks, and Mia—his birthday buddy—with two more great-grandchildren on the way. His legacy of love continues to grow.

Dick was a simple man in the very best sense of the word. He didn’t need much to be happy—just the people he loved, familiar routines, and life’s small comforts. In everything he did, he led by example. He was a steady source of warmth, pride, and unconditional love. He married into a large Italian family and was always grateful for the love, laughter and joy they brought into his life. He believed family always came first and that supporting, protecting, and nurturing one another was our highest calling. He never complained, a lesson that stayed with us throughout our lives. He found the good in everyone and every situation, remained grateful for each day, and often whistled his way through life.

He instilled in us a strong work ethic, teaching the value of dedication, responsibility, and loyalty. He was a dedicated employee of Cincinnati Bell for over 30 years, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Loyal, kind, and accepting, he believed that once you were his friend, you were a friend for life. Alongside working hard, he also reminded us to have fun along the way.

Our dad knew how to throw a party and was always ready for a good time. Anyone who walked through our doors was welcomed with open arms and instantly felt like family. For him, happiness was simple: good people, loud music, and a cold Hudy Delight. He was content, positive, and full of joy—a man who truly loved life.

As he grew older and life slowed down, he treasured family time even more. He celebrated the little moments just as much as the big milestones in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His life was a beautiful testament to integrity, joy, and unconditional love.

He remained loyal to what he loved throughout his life, including his three longtime card groups with family and friends. He enjoyed his Western shows, spending countless hours watching stories of grit and loyalty unfold—values he himself embodied. He loved to read and kept a sharp, curious mind. Thursday nights were especially meaningful, as he faithfully looked forward to dinners at Nick and Tom’s with dear friends. Those weekly gatherings became a treasured routine, especially after the loss of our mom.

Above all, he loved our mom immensely. Their life together was the center of his world and the love they shared was an example to us girls and all who knew them. He didn’t hold fancy titles or win grand awards in his life, but that never mattered to him. He measured success by a life filled with love, laughter, good health, and family—and by that measure, he was incredibly rich.

Though his bright light dimmed after her passing four years ago—and especially in this last month—he remained, at heart, the life of the party. While we are heartbroken that he is no longer with us, we find comfort in imagining him walking through heaven’s gates with a Hudy Delight in hand, Bob Seger playing in the background, and our mom—his “lovely wife,” as he always called her—waiting to embrace him. His greatest wish was to be reunited with her. Knowing they are together again brings us peace.

Visitation will be held at Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Rd. 45233 on Friday February 27, 2026 from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1pm. Family and friends are invited to join us at Boudinot LaRosa's for a celebration of life immediately following the funeral service.

His life was well lived, deeply loved, and will be forever missed.