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Rich Petrilla Obituary

Petrilla Rich Petrilla, 45, Lewis Center, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2015. Rich was born in Selma, Alabama to Richard and Diane Petrilla. As an Air Force brat he was lucky to have lived all over the world and the US. He would often speak fondly of the experience this life provided him. Rich did not put down roots until he came to The Ohio State University, where he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Economics in 1992. He remained in Columbus after graduating and began a long career in the media business, first as a Research Director at Clear Channel Radio and then most recently as the Owner of Hutchison Media Consultant. Rich was an avid Buckeye fan attending many home games since graduating from the university. He was known, fondly, to many as "the guy who knew something about everything and could fix anything". He was an animal lover to a fault and his most recent special companion was his pit bull Lola who often accompanied him to work and enjoyed riding in his convertible. Outside of his family that includes his wife, Heather Lauderback and daughter, Layne, Rich's other passions in life were golf, barbequing, guns and traveling. Rich was a kind and gentle soul who loved his family fiercely, was honest to a fault, and was always willing to help someone anytime and anywhere; to know Rich was to love him. He was an amazing father to his daughter who meant the world to him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 18 years; his parents; and brother, Kevin (Cheryl) Petrilla; and nephews, Cole and Alex; parents-in-law, Sanford and Carolyn Lauderback; sisters-in-law, Teresa Fightmaster and Cynthia Cloud; a host of loving aunts uncles and cousins too numerous to count. A Celebration of Life party will be held Sunday, April 26 at Northstar Golf Club, Sunbury Ohio from 4-8 p.m. In keeping with his spirit this will be a barbeque and bourbon-inspired theme. All are welcome; the only request is that you come with a story to share and you don't wear a suit. Please consider making a donation in his name to The Delaware County Humane Society or The Common Ground Free Store.

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

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Apr. 17 to Apr. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rich Petrilla

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Naghma Malik RCM OSUMC

April 24, 2015

Dear Heather,
I am so sorry to hear about your untimely loss. You and your daughter would be in my thoughts and prayers. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace and you find strength to go through this difficult time. Amen

Greg Jordan

April 22, 2015

My deepest sympathies. Rich was a great guy. Many will miss him. He was a normal guy with an incredible flare for so many things.

Laura Stanney

April 22, 2015

I was lucky to know Rich and work with him. My prayers go out to his family. He will be missed by many!

April 20, 2015

Dianne & Rich you & your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. We so wish we could be with you but want you to know we are thinking of you! Love. Annie & Bear Paczko

Stephanie and Emily Blaine

April 20, 2015

Heather and Layne-
We are saddened to hear of your loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We hope you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you shared together.

Candace Russell

April 20, 2015

I knew Richie through the hearts of his parents Diane & Richard. May your kind & gentle soul Rest in Peace.
To the family I extend my sympathy and pray for your peace.

Kim Snyder

April 20, 2015

Heather and Layne; I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I am to know Rich. My favorite memory is the adoption of Harley. Rich was quick to step up and save that ragged little mutt. May you find peace in knowing he will always be remembered as an incredible, kind man. Love to you both, Kim

April 19, 2015

Rich was such a wise man and so well read. It was a privilege to know and work with him. To Heather and Layne, he was so proud of his family and it was clear he loved you both with all his heart. Kim Tolnar

Judy Hartman

April 19, 2015

The world is a better place because of Rich's life. He will be missed.

April 19, 2015

Thinking of you, Heather, Layne, Rich Sr., Diane, Kevin and family. Holding you close in our hearts and prayers-
Love
Barb and Dave Paczko

April 18, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss Heather and Layne. Although we have never meet, my heart goes out for you. But I feel his Aunt Jean will be watching over him.
May God Bless You...
Sue Levan, a cousin.

Teresa DiMeo

April 18, 2015

To know him was to love him, the truth. Rich, you will be missed by many. Watch over Heather & Layne

phil harbath

April 18, 2015

I had the privilege of living in the same suite as Rich my freshman year at OSU in 1987. Rich was universally liked, super easy going and made the best alcoholic ice cream drink I had ever tasted. I have nothing but great memories of Rich, every time I saw him he had a smile on his face.

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