Sylvester W. Rickards, avid runner

Sylvester W. "Rick" Rickards, 85, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, of natural causes.

Born in Lewes, he was the son of Sylvester T. and Mabel B. Rickards. Rick was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in San Francisco. Thereafter, he graduated from Florida State University where he found the love of his life. He moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1955 with his wife of 57 years, Suzanne McCormick Rickards. Rick volunteered at Children's Hospital with more than 7,651 hours of service. It was there he met his cherished friend, Dr. Bob Klein. It was also through Children's Hospital that Rick developed a longtime relationship with the Hershberger family of Sugar Creek, Ohio, and served the Amish community well. Rick was the owner of the Rickards-Faulkman Insurance Agency. He was an avid runner and an accomplished tennis player. He was a member and supporter of AA for more than 55 years.

A loving father, he is survived by his children, Tara Earley, Renee Kulman, and Teal Rickards; and his grandchildren, Mariah, Josh and Evan Rickards, and McKenna, Judson and Kayne Kulman.

Graveside services for the family will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 15, at Wadsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions are greatly appreciated to Children's Hospital and may be sent to Children's Hospital, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308, Attn: Mary Mondozzi - Burn Unit, In Memory of Sylvester "Rick" Rickards. Arrangements by Billow’s Fairlawn Chapel, Akron, Ohio.