Richard "Rick O'Keefe" Peller

Richard Peller, known to many as Rick O’Keefe, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on June 16th in Athens, Ohio. He was 73.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19, 1951, Rick led an extraordinary life marked by creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a long spiritual journey seeking peace. A gifted and prolific musician and composer, he played the piano, guitar, banjo, concertina, and many other instruments, and composed orchestral music played by musicians around the world. He also wrote many stories, novels and screenplays in his lifetime.

Rick’s life was rich with experiences. He traveled extensively, lived across the globe, and had a deep love for reading and language. Fluent in numerous languages and possessing impeccable manners and seemingly endless niche expertise related to geography and historical events, he easily connected with people and made friends wherever he went.

He held a special love for Ukraine, Mexico, Italy, and India—places where he found his favorite music, food and friendships. Rick had a compassionate heart and was moved to help those in need whenever he could. He also had a deep respect and connection with nature and spent as much time as possible outside and meditating in the quiet shade with trees and birds (except roosters—the bane of his travels).

In his younger years, he hopped freight trains across the country, eventually making his way to the north coast of California, which he made his home base for about twenty years. In his later years, he settled in the town of Athens, Ohio, which he loved, and where he made his home during the warmer months.

He is survived by his sister, Robin Peller (Bis), his two daughters, Audrey Meade-Lux Peller Kitzes (Lux) and Marie Garnett Peller (both named after his favorite pianists), his son-in-law, Justin Kitzes, and his grandchildren, Eli (Mika), Nathan, and Juliette Kitzes. He loved his family deeply, and they loved him in return.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his compassionate heart, and the laughter and music he brought into so many lives.