Richard Rarick

Richard A Rarick “Rick”, age 76

Beloved youngest son of Loren and Irene (both deceased). Loving younger brother of Gerald (deceased), Thomas (Sandy Bonnot). Devoted uncle to Timothy (deceased) and Dennis (Amanda Brace) Rarick, Dr. Denise (deceased) and Dr. William Mirando, and David Bonnot (deceased) and cherished great granduncle of David (Amber) Mirando, Agnes (Sencer) Karabulut, and Matthew Mirando. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Stephen (Mary) Szitar, maternal aunts and uncles Mary, Stephen Szitar; Joseph Szitar, Adolph Szitar and Robert Szitar. And paternal grandparents Guy and Ida (ne: Kleiber) Rarick; paternal aunts and uncles Gertrude, Irene, Gerald, and Howard (Lillian) Rarick. Beloved uncle of many.

Beloved friend of many; including but not limited to; Gregory (Linda) DiLisi, John (Joanne) Mansi, Joesph Giancola, Joe Kozlevcar, Mark Matteo, Mike Casella, Steve Szatmary, Dr. Jennie Lehman.

Rick grew up in the Collinwood area of Cleveland and attended St. Joseph High School in Cleveland. He was an avid reader of many genres including the areas of mathematics, engineering, science, religion, philosophy, and original German, Greek and Latin works. Rick, like his father Loren, was a “Tinkerer”. He had an unquenchable thirst for understanding and for how things functioned and operated. He was known for his strong work ethic and his faith as a devout Roman Catholic. He also was known for lending a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Rick was a devoted caretaker for his mother, Irene, during the later part of her life. Rick was also a great lover of music; he enjoyed a wide breadth of genres such as classical, swing, and Motown.

He owned and operated a gas station on 152nd Street in Cleveland for over 20 years before earning degrees in mathematics and engineering. Rick was a dedicated scholar and educator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1988, followed by a Master of Science in Mathematics in 1989, and a second Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 2007—both from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. His research focused on control systems, power systems, and computer intelligence. Rick continued his studies in mathematics at Case Western Reserve University and later served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. He retired in 2024 from Cleveland State University, where he had served, for more than 13 years, as a respected college lecturer.

Rick was called home to his Creator on October 10th, 2025, at Holy Family Hospice in Parma, Ohio.

Interment Evergreen Hill Cemetery. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO GATHER FOR MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL 10:00 AM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025, IN THE MARIAN CHAPEL OF GESU CHURCH, 2470 MIRAMAR BLVD., UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OHIO, 44118.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Family Hospice (6707 State Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44134) https://staugministries.org/giving/ or to Villa-Angela-St. Joseph’s High School (18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44119) https://vasj.com/waystogive 

ARRANGEMENTS BY FIORITTO FUNERAL SERVICE OF NORTHEAST OHIO www.FiorittoFS.com