Richard Saxon ’82

Class of 1982

A San Damiano cross graces one of the walls of R.E. Saxon Jeweler in Weirton, West Virginia, owned by Richard Saxon ’82. It’s a public witness to the faith that has sustained him over the years.

During the lean period of the Great Recession in the late 2000s, Richard says he contemplated a career change. But “a feeling of calmness” enveloped him, he says, leading him to remain at the helm of the business his parents, the late John and Nancy Saxon, started in 1970.

At one time, the family operated four jewelry stores in the tri-state area, with his parents working well into their 80s.

“It was one of my greatest blessings to work with them daily,” Richard says. His brother, John, also worked in the family business before retiring in 2019.

Now condensed to one store, the family jewelry business includes Richard’s wife, Noreen, and his younger son, Christian, serving third and fourth generation customers both locally and across the country. Besides helping their customers choose special occasion jewelry, the Saxons also create custom pieces and help bring new life to older pieces with contemporary designs or additional precious stones.

Richard is active in his community because, he says, “my faith drives me to do better and to give back.” He is a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, a member of the Board of Directors for the Weirton Christian Center, and is the former chair of the Weirton Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Richard has served on Franciscan University’s Board of Advisors for 25 years.

“I love being on campus for meetings and for Mass. It has a special place in my heart,” he says.

Marking 40 years since his graduation, Richard speaks highly of professors Joe Zoric and the late Jack Boyde and Ed Kelly, grateful for the small class sizes and the personal attention he received at the then-University of Steubenville. A transfer student from West Virginia University, he recalls beginning his business administration major with evening classes.

“Here I was, this 19-year-old kid going to school with 30-, 35-, and 40-year-olds who had worked in hospitals, in accounting, and in steel mills,” he says with a laugh. “They brought so much to the table, and I really enjoyed that part of my education,” he adds.

In his free time, Richard enjoys golfing, traveling with Noreen, and spending time with family that also includes older son, Payton, and daughter, Suzanne, and her husband, Joe. The Saxons reside in Weirton.