Dr. Richard Lee Prass

Dr. Richard Lee “Dick” Prass — Nashville, Tennessee

Dr. Richard Lee “Dick” Prass, MD, PhD, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a physician, inventor, and musician deeply loved by his friends, family, and colleagues.

Richard was born on October 6, 1951, in Bethesda, Maryland and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Trotwood Madison High School (Class Of ’69) and was nominated as Prom King in his senior year. He received his B.S. in Biochemistry from The Ohio State University in 1973. He then moved to Cleveland and earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 1981.

He completed his internship and residency in Otolaryngology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Subsequently he pursued a fellowship in Otology and Neurotology at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, one of the world’s most respected centers for ear research and surgery.

Professionally, Richard served as Director of Otology and was Assistant Professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. In 1991, he entered private practice and was Medical Director and President of Atlantic Coast Ear Specialists in Virginia Beach. His final assignment before retirement was Associate Otologist at Nashville ENT Clinic.

A pioneer in surgical technology, Richard held nine U.S. patents for devices designed to monitor nerve integrity during surgery. His innovations earned him special recognition from NASA for the Prass Probe, a precise electromechanical nerve stimulator. This tool has helped make delicate neurosurgeries safer for patients. He authored numerous publications on facial-nerve monitoring and intraoperative neurophysiology, leaving a lasting impact on his field.

All his professional accomplishments aside, Richard’s greatest gift was being a kind, humble, and wonderfully funny person. His favorite activities included gardening, fishing, watching college football (Go Bucks!), grilling, dancing, and rescuing animals. He was an avid lover, listener, and creator of music. A self-taught guitarist, Richard was also gifted with a beautiful tenor voice and had a natural knack for songwriting. During his time at Case Western, he wrote his magnum opus entitled “MD: A Folk Rock Opera”, embodying his rare blend of scientific intellect and artistic spirit.

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 49 years, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Prass (nee Kearney), who passed away in 2024.

He is survived by his daughter Carrie N. Schwickardt, son-in-law Markus, grandchildren William and Sophie, son Brian G. Prass, daughter Natalie J. Prass, son-in-law Eric Slick, brother Mark Prass, and sister Vickie Hartke, and parents Richard and Marjorie Prass. He was a nurturing mentor, a creative artist, and a man whose innovation and curiosity were boundless.

Condolences may be sent to West Harpeth Funeral Home, Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Nashville Rescue Mission, and Alive Hospice of Nashville, Nashville Humane Association, and Alley Cat Allies.