Richard Sievert

Richard D. Sievert, born October 7, 1922, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2017, having just marked his 95th birthday. Upon retirement his physician told him that if he followed a strict regime, he would probably make it to 80. Like many things in his life, he exceeded expectations.

Richard was born in Toledo, OH to Verbotene and Arthur Sievert, and subsequently raised by his aunt and uncle, Emeretta and Irving Fox. He was a Denison University graduate and a member of Lamba Chi fraternity. At the outbreak of WWII, Richard enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USRMS at Northwestern University and the Great Lakes Naval Station’s officer training program. Richard later became the Officer-in-Charge on a Landing Craft Tank assigned to Flotilla 7 in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre. Richard was decorated on 4 occasions for combat-related activity in the Philippines.

Upon his return from service he met Tommie Scales, also serving the war effort in San Francisco, and they married in 1946. They remained so for 71 years until her death on April 2, 2017. Richard’s career was exclusively in the grocery industry, having begun with General Foods, then the world’s largest food company. In 1957 he moved to Indianapolis to begin as a “food broker” with The Nicholas Company. Richard served in numerous local, regional and national capacities within the food industry. Under his stewardship The Nicholas Company enjoyed prolonged growth and was recognized often by clients and industry organizations for progressive and effectual representation. He retired at 65 as the President and Chairman of the Board of The Nicholas Company.

In his retirement Richard enjoyed golf, extensive travel, politics and a passion for bridge. He was not only a highly skilled bridge player, but until recently was the organizer of multiple weekly games. Volunteerism also became a hallmark of his retirement, spending many holiday seasons with The United Christmas Service, coupled with ongoing service to Rotary and other service organizations.

Richard was an active member of Meridian Hills Country Club, serving as its President and on numerous committees throughout the years. Richard is survived by his daughter, Janet Nie (William), son, Kevin Sievert (Barb Munson); 4 grandchildren, Emery Sievert (Sarah), C Perry Griffith III (Carrie), Brittany Pittsford (Matt), Maegan O’Neal (Greg); and 9 great grandchildren. We will all miss PaPa and will remember him with great love. He led a long and productive life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The United Christmas Service of Indianapolis.

A private family service will be held at Flanner and Buchanan-Washington Park North.