Richard Fiala

Fiala, Richard L.---taken from us much too early at the age of 53 on Sunday October 21, 2018. Dear son of Joyce and the late Emil Fiala; dear brother of Greg (Susan) Fiala; dearest companion to Shirley Kirsch. Beloved uncle to Benjamin, Jacob and Isaac Fiala; nephew to Pat Cashman, the late Sr. Chris (Mary) Fiala, and the late Pat (Steve) Meifert; cousin to Tom Neal and numerous second cousins; and friend to many. Rich's heart failed him while he was sleeping and he never woke up Sunday morning. Rich was born prematurely on Feb 24, 1965 and spent his first five days in the ICU at Jewish Hospital. He was a fighter though, and it didn't take long before he was healthy and strong enough to come home. He grew up in South County in the Lindbergh and Mehlville school districts, graduating from Mehlville High School in 1983. His childhood was happy and this was when his love of dogs and music began to grow. After a brief time at Meramec Community College, he committed to full-time work. He worked at Chevy's Restaurant a short time and eventually moved on to Casa Gallardo as a cook. He worked there for many years, developing a friendship with some of his co-workers, including Shirley Kirsch. In later years, after the loss of her husband, their friendship developed into a closer relationship. She eventually left Casa to work at Barnes Hospital; subsequently, Rich also left Casa to cook at Barnes, and has worked there ever since. Rich spent many happy hours with his extended family. Some of the best times were during the 25 years when they all met at his parent's home in Raintree Plantation on a beautiful lake. The house was right next to the beach where they could swim or he could play in the water with his nephews when they were young boys. Everyone enjoyed the rides in his parent's boat out on the lake. All the birthday and holiday dinners were held out there and we had such good times. It was also there on one Thanksgiving Day, that he rescued a dog -- a Labrador Retriever puppy. He named him Otis, and took him home with him that day. They lived together happily for 15 years. Although Rich and Shirley never married, his friendship with her grew into mutual love, and for the last 15 years or so, they have been virtually inseparable. When Shirley suffered a massive stroke in 2006, Rich stayed by her side, helping her to heal and cope with its long-term effects. They loved each other very much and she will miss him terribly. They were together nearly every day for the rest of his life. He created a haven in her back yard complete with winding paths around various kinds of plants, and two wonderful fish ponds with many beautiful thriving fish. It was quite a task taking care of the fish, ponds and plants, but he loved creating this beautiful sanctuary. Rich loved animals all his life. Our family always had dogs when he was growing up; and he loved them all. Shirley's dog, Penny, was his current best canine friend and she is lost without him. Along with Otis, he had adopted 2 cats over a period of time and they all lived happily together. Rich also loved playing guitar and listening to music. Although he was a Blues aficionado, his taste was eclectic. He generously spent hours creating compilations of hand-picked tunes for his loved ones. Last but not least, Rich loved to cook, and he excelled at it. Our family always enjoyed the delicious creations he brought to our celebrations. He and Shirley also liked eating different kinds of ethnic foods at their favorite restaurants. During his short lifetime, many people and animals have been beneficiaries of Rich's dedicated hard work, faithful loyalty and loving care. He will always be loved and missed by his mother, brother, Shirley and all his family and friends. Services: Visitation Saturday, October 27, 11 am - 2 pm at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS FUNERAL HOME (South County), 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. Service 2 pm at the funeral home. Service concludes at the funeral home. He will be cremated. October 27, 2018, Saturday
11:00 am - 02:00 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel
4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St.Louis, MO 63129
October 27, 2018, Saturday
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel
4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St.Louis, MO 63129