Richard Andrew Herrilko, age 73, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Rick married his high school sweetheart, Gail (nee Adams) on July 10, 1971 and they have been best friends for more than 51 years. After more than twenty-five years at PPG, Rick opened his own business, Fab-tech, that allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream and also enjoy his retirement. He loved his time in the outdoors, traveling, and his time on the farm in Boston Heights. More than anything else, Rick cherished his family.
He was proud to say he had three devoted daughters: Sheli (Chris) Atkins, Chrissy (Jon) Sterling and Lisa (Aaron) Mayer, collectively known as Shelly-Belly, Chris-Bug and Lisa Lou. He served a a father figure to many, including his cherished grandchildren: Marissa (John), Walter, Eleanor, Adam, Oliver, Adeline and Josephine; and proud Papa (great grandfather) of Zaden and Kyler. Rick and Gail hosted an exchange student, Miriam, in 1993 and they count her and her husband (Jan) and their children, Felina, Ada and Elianna as additions to their immediate family. The glue that held his family together, he was the steadfast and loving brother of Rodney (Barbara, deceased), Randy (Vicki) and Diane Herrilko.
The family would like to thank the doctors of Akron General Medical Center, specifically Dr. Liu, who learned much from Rick's journey and Dr. Lahora, who cared for Rick as he would his own friend. Special thanks also to Heather and her team at the Infusion Center in Stow and the nurses on floor 5400 and 4400. Thanks also to Julie and the staff of Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice for their part in comforting Rick. Throughout his journey, he was known as a kind patient and learned the name of every nurse, tech or doctor who cared for him.
Family received visitors 2-5pm on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, Twinsburg, OH. Memorial Services were held 11:00 am Monday, March 13, 2023 at First Congregational Church of Twinsburg, 9050 Church St., Twinsburg, OH. In lieu of flowers the family suggests you donate blood or that memorial contributions be made in Rick's name to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) . Donations can also be made to any animal shelter in Rick's memory.
"No straight lines make up my life, and all my roads have bends; they're no clear cut beginnings and so far no dead ends." ~Harry Chapin
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