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Rick Pelham

1962 - 2023

Rick Pelham obituary, 1962-2023, Norwalk, OH

BORN

1962

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Walker Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home - Norwalk

98 West Main Street

Norwalk, Ohio

Rick Pelham Obituary

Rick A. Pelham

Oct 12, 1962 - Jul 23, 2023

Norwalk

Although a man of few words, Rick Pelham, 60, of Norwalk, could say everything through his smile and laughter. He left this earth Friday, July 23, 2023, at his home, leaving a huge impact on everyone he met by exemplifying his ease and joy in the little things in life.

Born in Norwalk to Norb and Judy Pelham, Rick was the oldest of three boys. He was a 1982 graduate of Western Reserve High School where he played on the football team. Following graduation, Rick worked at Norwalk Furniture and then joined his dad and Uncle Paul working at Tenneco Automotive for 14 years. Most recently, he was a trainer at Borgers where he worked for nearly eight years.

In 1981, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Michelle, under the McDonalds golden arches and the two were married at St. Alphonsus Church in 1985. In their nearly 38 years of marriage, they enjoyed every moment together from vacations on the beach to their ritualistic 4 p.m. dinners out at their favorite mom and pop places. They were truly each other's best friend and adventure partner. The greatest joy of his marriage though was raising their daughter, Samantha, together. She was his pride and joy. He lived to watch her accomplish her dreams. He was the most devoted dad, showing up every day to drop her off at elementary school, always walking her to the door, and kissing her goodbye. His hugs with an extra squeeze allowed him to latch on to her for one more second before saying goodbye, even into her adulthood. He supported everything she did, including sitting through hours of musicals which he did only for her. He loved playing outside with her, from riding bikes around the block to playing putt putt where they both would cheat. His love for the outdoors expanded from just playing though. On any clear day, he could be found outside working in the yard or swinging on the porch.

On top of being the best husband and father, he was also known for being the best neighbor and friend to all. He always looked out for those in his neighborhood, whether that was to be a friend, rake their leaves, or fix something around their house. Rick loved working with his hands and was the definition of a handyman.

Rick often never said a lot, but when he did, it was genuine and with so much interest. He was a good man, hard worker, and incredibly dedicated to his family.

Rick is survived by his wife, Michelle (Rossman); daughter, Samantha (Kevin Kunz); parents, Norb and Judy (Bishman) Pelham; brothers, Randy (Jennifer) Pelham and Ronnie Pelham; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Rick was preceded in death by his uncles, Paul Pelham, Ray Pelham, and Jake Bishman; maternal grandparents, Jerome and Estella Bishman; and paternal grandparents, Frank and Armetta Scard.

Visitation for friends will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk. Rick's celebration of life will follow Saturday, July 29, 2023, for friends and family.

Those wishing to contribute to Rick's memory can send donations in lieu of flowers to American Heart Association or one of the following arts organizations, Stuart's Opera House, ABC Players, or Ohio Valley Summer Theater.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Norwalk Reflector on Jul. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick Pelham

Not sure what to say?





Shelli Boes

July 28, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss, Michelle, and family.

Single Memorial Tree

James Rader (Radar)

Planted Trees

Laura Kunz

July 27, 2023

Michelle and Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was always patient, considerate, and kind. He will forever leave a kiss on our hearts. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Love, Laura Kunz and family

The Spathiphyllum Plant

Love, The Kunz Family

Sent Flowers

Cliff Cannon

July 26, 2023

What a good,good man. The world needs more Rick Pelhams'. Very sorry for loss Pelham family.

Sam and Angie Farmer

July 26, 2023

Rick was a very nice guy and a heck of a good worker. The Farmer family is very sorry for your loss and we know he will be missed.

American Heart Association

July 26, 2023

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

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Memorial Events
for Rick Pelham

Jul

28

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Walker Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home - Norwalk

98 West Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857

Funeral services provided by:

Walker Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home - Norwalk

98 West Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857

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