Richard "Rick" Linehan

Richard "Rick" Linehan

Richard "Rick" J. Linehan, age 77, died peacefully at home in Toledo, Ohio, on December 23, 2025. Born on February 4, 1948, also in Toledo, Rick never strayed far from the place that shaped him-though life took him across oceans, battlefields, lakes, and more than a few questionable decisions, all of which made for great stories.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Linehan and Richard "Bud" Linehan; and by his sisters, Diane Irwin and Shirley Lemke. He is survived by his beloved partner, Helen Jodouin, whose care, companionship, and fierce loyalty anchored his later years; his daughter, Angela Cory, and son-in-law, Fritz Cory, who knew him as both a steady presence and an unmovable force; his granddaughter, Alexis Cory, the light of his life; his sisters, Patricia (Robert) Lillie and Connie (Tom) White; and his brother, Michael Linehan (and partner, Amy Dixon). Rick also leaves behind a wide circle of co-conspirators -many of whom he considered family-and all of whom will swear they were his closest friend.

Rick grew up in Toledo at a time when kids played outside until dark and learned important life lessons the hard way. He served as an altar boy in his youth, a role that no doubt surprised anyone who knew him later, though it did establish his lifelong comfort with ritual, loyalty, and the occasional well-placed confession. He played grade school football, where he learned grit, teamwork, and how to give and take a hit-skills that would serve him well throughout his life. Alongside his best buddy, Ron, Rick spent his formative years staying just this side of the law, a balancing act that required charm, quick thinking, and a well-developed sense of when to run.

Rick graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1966, carrying with him friendships and a competitive spirit that never faded. He later graduated from the General Motors Institute, where his natural mechanical mind found a home. Rick didn't just learn systems-he mastered them. This would become a defining trait: if Rick cared about something, he learned it completely.

That instinct for mastery followed him into his career at Dunn Chevy, where he served as Parts Manager for more than 30 years before retiring in 2011. Rick was legendary in his field. It was widely believed-and rarely disputed-that he knew the suspension component part number for every GM vehicle built between 1975 to 2010. Whether or not this was literally true, no one was foolish enough to challenge him. Rick took pride in competence, precision, and doing things right the first time. Customers trusted him, coworkers relied on him, and vendors learned quickly not to bluff.

Before returning to civilian life, Rick served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, earning a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart, honors he seldom mentioned. Like many veterans, Rick bore the weight of those experiences quietly, letting them inform his character without ever becoming his whole story. From them grew an unwavering loyalty, a sharp intolerance for nonsense, and a fierce protectiveness of those he loved-especially his younger brother, Mike.

Outside of work, Rick lived fully and competitively. He loved walleye and salmon fishing, finding peace in early mornings, cold water, and the satisfaction of patience rewarded. Even more central to his identity was sailing. For more than 25 years, Rick was a key crew member on board Wizard. Owned by Jeff and Marilyn Mackay, the boat was a regular winner on western Lake Erie, taking home countless blue flags, including a first overall in the 1998 Mills Trophy Race. Through it all, Rick kept a sharp eye on the telltales, and Wizard was better for it.

Rick was a dedicated father and a devoted grandfather. His love for his daughter, Angela, was steady and unshakeable, expressed less in words than in action and presence. Becoming a grandfather to Alexis unlocked a softer side of Rick that surprised many and delighted those lucky enough to see it. She could do no wrong in his eyes, and he took immense pride in her.

Rick's partnership with Helen was one of mutual respect, deep care, and shared enjoyment of life's pleasures. He loved good food, fine wine, and-somewhat inexplicably-salt and vinegar potato chips, which he defended as a perfectly reasonable indulgence. He was a sucker for anything collectible, a devoted crossword puzzle enthusiast, and someone who never lost his curiosity or edge.

Above all, Rick was known as a fierce friend. He loved his large circle of close friends with intensity and loyalty, and he showed up-no questions asked-when people needed him. He was opinionated, funny, occasionally stubborn, and always genuine. Rick did not suffer fools lightly, but he loved deeply and without pretense.

Rick's funeral will be private. All who knew and loved Rick are invited to a celebration of his remarkable life, to be held at The Chalet at Oak Shade Grove, on Saturday, January 17th, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donations in Rick's memory may be sent to Vietnam Veterans of America, honoring both his service and his enduring respect for those who served alongside him.

Rick Linehan lived with conviction, humor, and heart. He leaves behind stories worth retelling, lessons worth keeping, and a legacy of loyalty that will not soon fade. He will be deeply missed-and fondly remembered-by all who were lucky enough to know him.

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