Richard “Dick” Mills
Richard “Dick” Filmore Mills age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 7th, 2022, in his Hilliard home. Born in Columbus, Ohio August 6th, 1928, son of Ivan Forest Mills Sr. and Johanna Grosh, Dick is one of three children, predeceased by his brother Jack, and younger brother Marty.
Dick is survived by his three children: Timothy (Sherri), Karen (Jerry) and Steve(suzanne); grandchildren Adam (Megan), Andrew (Jaclyn), Jeremy, Ariana, Minuet, great granddaughter Hannah and sister-in-law, Norma Mills, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dick graduated from South Highschool in Columbus, Ohio where he met his sweetheart Judith (Judy) Teegardin whom he married on August 24th, 1947. Dick was drafted into the US Army and stationed in El Paso Texas where he and Judy resided for two years. During this time, he was an instructor in combat ready radar for the soldiers waiting to go to the front lines.
Upon his return to Columbus, Dick attended The Ohio State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, in electrical engineering. Post-graduation, Dick joined Bell Laboratories as a member of the Technical Staff and completed his MSEE degree. Following his graduate studies, he began his full-time employment at Bell Labs at the Headquarters in Murry Hill, New Jersey. Dick was chosen as part of an elite group to return to Columbus and open the first Bell Labs in Ohio where he remained until his retirement in 1990. Dick had a decorated career and was instrumental in the development of the many telecommunication systems & devices including; Telstar satellites, video telephones and cell-phone communication systems, just to name a few!
In his retirement years, Dick enjoyed spending quality time with Judy in Titusville, Florida where he enjoyed family visits and his passion for golf and motorcycles.
Dick’s curiosity for innovation was not limited to his work at Bell Lab’s. He could be found almost any evening with at least one of his children in his basement workshop or garage working on a variety of wide-ranging projects… electronics for the home, electric powered vehicles, motorcycle redesigns or BMX bicycles were all within his range of expertise. Such a fascinating and wonderful man.
Visitation will be held on Monday December 12, 2022 from 4-7pm at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN; 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 where service will be held Tuesday December 13, 2022 at 1pm. Interment to follow service at Glen Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Richard’s name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.