Richard John Nork

Richard J. Nork passed away on May 30 at the age of 68.

He was born on Oct. 6, 1955 in Hazleton, the son of Dr. Leonard J. Nork and Marian (Koons) Nork. Rick graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1977. He married Martha W. Hodges on Aug. 14, 1982.

After graduation from Penn State, Rick began work with General Electric in a traveling audit program, which started his long and accomplished career in the finance industry. After 15 years with GE, his career took him to Robert Bosch Corporation, where he rose to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer of the North America division. His career at Bosch afforded him the opportunity to work overseas in Wales, U.K., for three years, where he and his family were able to enjoy extensive travel throughout Europe. He then relocated to Northville, Mich., in 2001, where he continued his successful career before retiring from Wayne State University as CFO and vice president for finance and business operations in 2015.

Rick had a lifelong passion for music and was a talented pianist, a gift which brought joy to many people. He began playing the accordion and organ in church at the age of 10, and supported himself through college playing piano at weddings and other events with his band, The Sophisticats. A devout Catholic, his favorite way to share his talent was in service of God. After moving to Michigan, he reignited his enthusiasm for music ministry and served at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth and St. Edith Catholic Church in Livonia with his band, In Praise, for almost 20 years.

Rick was also an avid golfer and Detroit sports fan. He enjoyed a good meal, was a skilled cook and remembered every bottle of wine he ever had. Rick was exceptionally proud of being an Eagle Scout. He loved to travel, especially family trips to Disney World or to visit his beloved granddaughters.

In his retirement, Rick's compassionate nature led him to become involved with the organization Courageous Kids, which provides activities for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. He initially joined as a member of the board before taking on a more active role as executive director. He also served as a member of the board of the Friends of Northville District Library, and as a member of the finance council at St. Edith Catholic Church.

Along with his wife, Martha, Rick is survived by his two children, Charlie Nork and Libby (William) Goggins; three siblings, Dr. Leonard Nork, Donald (Kathy) Nork and Marilee (James) Bindas; and two grandchildren, Violet and Fiona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Nork; and sister-in-law, Judy Nork.

A visitation for Rick will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 7 p.m. at L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, 19091 Northville Road at 7 Mile Road, Northville. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, with a viewing beginning at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Courageous Kids; Friends of the Northville District Library, 212 W. Cady St., Northville, MI 48167; Gleaners Community Food Bank; or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.