Richard Proper

Richard L. Proper, age 55, of Union City, PA., passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. He was born in Erie, PA., on September 21, 1967, a son of the late Joyce Willoughby Proper.
Rick grew up in Mill Village and attended Ft. LeBoeuf High School. He spent his younger years working odd jobs, learning how to work on cars, and drive semi trucks from his older mentors. He enjoyed racing cars at local tracks as well as helping work on race cars. He spent nearly 22 years working for Showman Excavating of Waterford as a heavy equipment operator. He loved running his machines and took great pride in his work.
Rick loved to ride his Harley Davidson and in March 2022 crossed off his bucket list of riding from Daytona to Key West with Missy. He enjoyed spending time detailing vehicles and motorcycles "his chrome had to shine" and often talked of opening a shop where the kids could be a part of it with him. His biggest joy was spending time with his son Rece shooting guns, hunting, fishing, detailing their trucks and talking.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Willoughby Proper, and his grandmother Mildred Cole.
He is survived by his son Rece Lane Proper of Waterford, a step-son Brandon Gaston of Waterford, his significant other Missy Heim of Conneaut Lake and her kids, Kori and Tanner Bova of Conneaut Lake/Tampa FL, and Chasity (Ryan) Lee of Chattanooga, TN. His brothers Tim Proper of Oil City, PA, Greg (Dawn) Proper of Beaver Falls, PA, and Jason (Janet) Proper of Waterford, PA. Several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is handling the private arrangements. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.