Richard Stephen Pacenta

HUDSON - Richard Stephen Pacenta, 72, of Hudson, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend, Richard was a steady and selfless presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (née Meredith); children, Meredith and Mason; and siblings, Patricia Pacenta (John Wilson), Robert Pacenta (Christina Crawford), Thomas Pacenta (Jan), James Pacenta (Nancy), and brother-in-law, Thomas Miller. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Miller.

Proudly born in Akron, Ohio, to the late John and Dorothy Pacenta, Richard graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and went on to earn degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Akron (MBA). He began his professional journey at DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware, for nearly twenty years. He later built a distinguished career in medical imaging that culminated in his role as Executive Director of Sales at Hitachi Medical Systems. In that role, he traveled extensively and was instrumental in bringing open MRI technology to hospitals and health systems nationwide. A savvy and frequent traveler, he hopped on planes like most people hop on buses - always on the move, always with purpose. His tireless work ethic and steadfast commitment left a lasting mark on his field and on everyone he worked with. One of his greatest professional joys was that his role at Hitachi brought him and his family back to Northeast Ohio - not just to where he and Linda had grown up, but where they fulfilled their dream of raising their children surrounded by extended family.

Richard’s greatest joy came from loving his wife of 42 years, Linda, and their children, Meredith and Mason. He was their rock - steadfast, encouraging, and endlessly proud. He believed deeply in their dreams and did all he could to help them thrive. Together, Richard and Linda built a beautiful life, from the East Coast to the Midwest. They traveled through the Caribbean islands, skied in the Rocky Mountains, and embraced the small but sacred rhythms of everyday life - exercising, Sunday Mass, and walks around the local parks. Above all, they cherished quiet evenings at home as a family - Richard at the grill, a beer in hand, savoring the life they built and the love they shared.

Richard was an avid Cleveland sports fan, a gifted athlete, and often the one holding court at any gathering. Whether among family or friends, he was someone people naturally gravitated toward - warm, quick-witted, and deeply grounded. He will be remembered forever for his strength, humility, kindness, and unwavering love.

Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow 44224, for visitation on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4 to 8 PM. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Parish, 340 North Main Street, Hudson, 44236, on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11 AM. PLEASE MEET AND FORM A PROCESSION AT THE CHURCH. Burial St. Mary Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 ~ lbda.org