Richard Emory Vance

Richard Emory Vance obituary, Kent, OH

Richard Emory Vance

Richard Vance Obituary

Visit the Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory website to view the full obituary.
Richard Emory Vance passed away suddenly at age 63 on October 26 at his South Lincoln Street home in Kent. To know Rick was to love him. The son of the late Emory Vance and Eva Vance, Rick was born Dec. 18, 1953, and is survived by his mother, Eva, beloved wife of 35 years Donna, son Ben and daughter-in-law Heather and grandson Coen, daughter Kara and son-in-law Alex Morgart, all of Kent, sister Linda Poinski and brother-in-law Mike of Tallmadge, brother Roger and sister-in-law Sherry of Hillsboro, Va., nieces Megan Fields, Sarah McCoy and Jessica Barnhart, and nephew Jordan Vance. A lifelong Kent resident, Rick was a 1972 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School and graduated from Kent State University in 1976. A longtime insurance agent with the Brimfield Insurance Group, Rick was widely known and beloved for his kindness, caring and generosity. A loving husband to Donna and dedicated father to Ben and Kara, Rick cherished his grandson Coen and was a friend and role model for his nieces and nephews and many cousins. A loyal and loving son, brother and friend, Rick never failed to give comfort and guidance to those in need. Across his community he leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and altruism and will be sorely missed by all. A celebration of the life for Rick is scheduled for November 26, at 1 p.m., at the Crossroads Community Church, 5931 Rhodes Rd., Kent. Burial will be at Standing Rock Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Portage County, 155 East Main St. Kent, Ohio, 44240.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard Vance's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 4, 2017

Jimmy Soles posted to the memorial.

November 26, 2016

George Urban posted to the memorial.

November 23, 2016

Sue Trusso Hamman posted to the memorial.

Jimmy Soles

May 4, 2017

Donna I am so sorry to hear about this. Rick was a great friend and my agent for many years.

George Urban

November 26, 2016

I recently read a quote that defined a legacy as "planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." I hope that Rick had an inkling of the many lives that he touched and enriched as a man of exemplary character, conviction and compassion- -including my own. I do believe that his life has and will continue to reap an extraordinarily bountiful harvest for generations to come. The Circle is indeed, Unbroken.

Sue Trusso Hamman

November 23, 2016

My sincerest and deepest sympathy to Rick's families and many friends. My memories are filled with Rick's kind, gentle, noble, respectful and happy demeanor. Thinking of him brings an immediate smile and deep admiration for always being one of the nicest people I've ever known. I was blessed to know him and call him "friend."

Jason Fabick

November 17, 2016

Rick was a kind and generous man who will be greatly missed. We here at Jasons' Barber Shop are shocked and saddened by the news. We just found out today and are still in disbelief that another good person has left us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, and family. RIP Rick.

Ken Kriston

November 10, 2016

My condolences to family and friends. As a client who has only dealt with and taken care of very well by Rick for the past almost thirty years, I cannot imagine the loss to you.

Melissa Davis

November 3, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was an amazing man. Always a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. Donna, Kara, Ben and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be truly missed.

Barbara Schonfel

November 2, 2016

Praying for Rick's entire family to find peace and strength. I will miss Rick's kindness and smile and how he always made me feel welcomed. Rick was one of those rare humans who made those he came in contact with feel he was interested in their lives and their families. I especially ask Blessings for his dear mother Eva.
May all his family and friends recall happier times in the past years and take comfort that so many people remember Rick so fondly.

Joan & Rick Boyet

November 2, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a great guy. He was our "insurance man" for many years. He was always kind, pleasant and honest. Very professional and really seemed to care about his clients. He will be missed

LIBBY TRIMBLE

November 2, 2016

The world will not be the same without you Rick. We always enjoyed your frequent stops in the store. You were a generous and caring peron above and beyond what was needed. The caring and concern you showed to others was admirable. We will miss you and never forget you...
Your friends at Kent Floral...
Karen, Mark, Libby, Pat and Anne

jodi cook

November 1, 2016

I have no words to say how very sorry I am for your loss. I got to know all of you just from the bank but considered all of you friends. I absolutely loved waiting on Rick and I don't think he ever came into the bank without a smile on his face. He was a wonderful person and family man. He will truly be missed. Hugs to all of you.

Jeanne Kyser- Meyers

October 31, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We were neighbors growing up in Kent. He was always so nice and kind. I have fond memories of the entire Vance family. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

Patricia Kyser-Gluntz

October 31, 2016

I am so very saddened and sorry to hear about Rick. My family and I lived next door to him and Emory and Eva growing up. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayersat this time.

Karen Esposito

October 31, 2016

Rick was a wonderful person he will be truly missed.

Val Owens-Grange Insurance

October 31, 2016

Rick was a true gentleman with a good and gentle soul. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mardi Dan Edwards

October 30, 2016

We will always cherish the backyard games we played at many special celebrations at your home. We loved getting together and having our kids play all together. We can not express the way our hearts have been broken to know Rick is gone. May all the family understand how much we love all of you. So sorry we can not be with you now but know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you Barnie with all my heart.

Becka Garrett

October 30, 2016

Prayers to you Donna and your two children for the loss of your wonderful husband - Rick. May God bring you and ongoing love and support to your entire family through this tough transition! Much love!

William Taylor

October 30, 2016

So sorry to hear Ricky has passed. Most of my memories of him are from we were children in West Virginia. We played hard and always had a great time fishing in the creek from the little railroad tie bridge through the holes.
I send you my deepest sympathies. I love all of you!

Billy

Laney Oxman

October 30, 2016

our condolences on the loss of your brother.
With sadness and love. Laney and michael

Amy Marasco

October 30, 2016

With great sadness yet thoughts for peace and joy, my family extends their sympathy to the Vance family

Kyle Amick

October 29, 2016

So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. He was a great person. My prayers are with you guys.

Linda Frank

October 29, 2016

I am sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We sure had a lot of fun in HS and enjoyed reunions as well.

Luke Baker

October 29, 2016

Rick was my second cousin and I am sorry to have lost him. Many prayers and prayers of others are greatly appreciated. My mother was really close to Rick. I know he was a great guy. God Bless.

Missy Anicas

October 29, 2016

Donna, I am sorry for your loss. Our family will be praying for you and your family during this tough time.

Janet Wojnaroski

October 29, 2016

Sincere condolences to the family

Sue and tom Wilhelm

October 29, 2016

So sorry for your loss

Janet Campana

October 29, 2016

Tim and I are so very sorry and saddened by Rick's passing. I have known him since kindergarten and he was always just the nicest, most compassionate, caring person. Even though we didn't see him much in recent years, when we did he was genuinely happy to see you and made you feel so important. Our family is indebted to him for his kindness to Tim's dad in recent years. Our hearts go out to Rick's family and close friends. He will be missed.

Ken Mueller

October 29, 2016

All my love to Barnie, Ben and Kara. I have been blessed enough to call Rick my friend for over 35 years. He was the kindest & gentlest man I've ever known. He was a consummate professional and just a genuinely nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Time and distance can't diminish the affection I have for Rick and all of you. My love to all for your loss

Denese Turlik

October 29, 2016

Donna and Family
There really are no words to convey how terribly sorry I am to hear of Rick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.

Mike Urban

October 29, 2016

Please accept my condolences. Rick was one of the finest persons I have known.

Tim Fields

October 29, 2016

Rick. When Megan first introduced me to the Poinski-Vance family, you opened your arms and embraced me. On my wedding day, with loved ones all around, you shook my hand and told me "Now, we're family."
On my birthday, you called. Wished me the best. You said that you just wanted me to know that "we were thinking of you."
When Megan and I announced we were pregnant, you smiled and said I was starting one of the greatest adventures- fatherhood. I was nervous. You sensed it and helped put me at ease.
There are so many other moments, so many other times that I remember, when you were there and said what needed to be said.
So now, let me say what you taught me so well.
Rick, my arms are open wide and I embrace you. Please know that I'm thinking of you so much and that you will always be my family.

Nancy Linzey

October 28, 2016

My heart is broken to hear of rick's passing he was my forever friend. My condolences to all of his family

Rita Battaglia

October 28, 2016

Words cannot express how heartbroken I am over this loss. We are blessed to have known such a wonderful person, and I will never forget his kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends during this difficult time.

Tracy Ranier

October 28, 2016

Donna and Family,
There are no words but know so many love you and are here for you. I promise God will see you through...just cal on him. Always here for you!

Bill Dillon

October 28, 2016

It was my privilege to be Rick's pastor for 14 years there in Kent and to continue our friendship over the years since then. I was crushed when I received the news of his passing. He was a good man and will be sorely missed by all of us in the Dillon clan. We are praying for Eva, you, Barney, Ben & Kara, and all of your family during these difficult days. You are loved! Pastor Dillon

Marsha-Charlene's sister Hixon

October 28, 2016

My sincere condolences, Donna, to you & your family.

Karyn Kaser

October 28, 2016

Donna and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers for healing and strength. May God bless your entire family.

Donna Hess

October 28, 2016

Ben, Kara, Donna,
I was saddened to hear the news of Rick's sudden passing. I knew him as a devoted, supportive father of both Ben and Kara, who cared deeply about his family and supported his two children in any way he could. I can imagine how terribly he will be missed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences
Sincerely,
Donna Hess

Linda Lohr

October 28, 2016

Rick was one of the most honorable men I knew. He took my son under his wing and treated him like a son. The love, respect and dedication he extended to Tyler has made everlasting memories. It is an honor and privilege to be considered his friend. RIP Rick.

Libby Long

October 28, 2016

This is just a horrible shock to all of us. We miss you badly, Rick. We will always remember your generosity, your smile, your always being there for all of us when we ask. We all love you so very much. Til we meet again, rest in peace.

Bonny Photinos

October 28, 2016

Every time I think of you Rick, I see a tall hefty man with a thick shock of hair that I always envied. I feel your open wide arms in greeting and feel your strong bear hugs. I think of the word - hospitality - and know that if I were to look up the definition of the word in the dictionary, I would see your picture. I see your ever watchful eye scanning the family to make sure everybody was taken care of, all was in order and did everybody get enough food and drink. I see your face with eyes eternally twinkling and a smile that seemed never to leave. I see a man who had that good-ol-fashioned pride in his family, friends, home and warm engagements with those around him. I admiringly gazed at you watching your love and respect for your dear beloved Barney. I loved the way you two were together, in the kitchen preparing food, doing the dishes together; a dance I could see and wished others could have that happiness. You were easy to talk to and so helpful when I needed some insurance advice. You were the gentle lion watching over his pride. I am so very grateful that I had the chance to be a part of what it was to know Rick. I saw a man who was dedicated to his family and spread the warmth. It radiates and shows itself in those lovely ones that still remain; your children, your wife, your mother, your brother, sister and like a many-spoked wheel continues to extend. OH MY! I will not forget you. With an enormous infinitesimal sigh, I bid you adieu.

Alex Morgart

October 28, 2016

I love you so much. I miss you so much. I'll always try to be more like you, dad.

Anita V. and Rick Kedzierski

October 28, 2016

I just wanted to express my sadness to learn of Ricks passing. I always enjoyed the many hours that I had the privilege of spending with him.He was truly one of a kind. He never forgot that he was a Vance and had a responsibility to do what he could for the family.He will always have a place in my heart and he will be missed.In closing the best to you and your families.

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory

628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240

Make a Donation
in Richard Vance's name

How to support Richard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Vance's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Richard Vance's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 4, 2017

Jimmy Soles posted to the memorial.

November 26, 2016

George Urban posted to the memorial.

November 23, 2016

Sue Trusso Hamman posted to the memorial.