Mr. Richard Paul Barelka

Richard Paul Barelka, 42, of Amherst formerly of Avon, passed away suddenly of a heart attack, Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Metro Health Medical Center, Cleveland. Richard was born, December 17, 1967 in Fort Worth, TX and had lived most of his life in Avon before moving to Amherst 13 years ago. Richard was a graduate of Avon High School and the Lorain County Join Vocational School. He continued his education earning an associate degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales College and then a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University, Providence Rhode Island. Richard worked as the night auditor for the Cedar Point Hotels, Sawmill Creek Resort and the Bratenahl Yacht Club. He then worked as vice president of management of Bar Manufacturing, Lorain. He owned and operated the Cookie Cupboard Plus, a cookie and coffee shop located in the old arcade building in Cleveland and was owner of the Ohio Postal Center Shipping and Packaging, as well as Lionhearted Leadership Website Design. Richard was a volunteer and trainer with the American Red Cross, a member of the Johnson and Wales University Alumni Association, and a Minister with the Universal Life Church Ministries. He was also active with the group F.A.C.E., Funding Amherst Community Enhancement. During his high school years he was equipment managers for Avon High School sports teams, worked in the infirmary at the Temple Hills Church Camp and volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe House. Richard is survived by his parents, Harry and Joann (Kiger) Barelka of Avon; sister-in-law Barb Barelka of Phoenix, Arizona; nephews Matthew and Andrew Barelka; godmother Gail Kochis and godchildren K-Lin and Bill. He is preceded in death by his brother John Barelka, and grandparents Paul and Mary Barelka and Richard and Gladys Kiger. Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, Friday, November 5 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00pm and for one hour before the service at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake. The Funeral Service will be Saturday at 11a.m. at the church. Rev. Kelly Brill of the Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Memorial Contributions may be forwarded to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1000 East Edgerton Rd., Broadview Heights, 44147 or the F.A.C.E. Committee, 7530 Oberlin Ave., Elyria 44035.