Robert (Bob) E. Rickel

STOW - Robert (Bob) E. Rickel, known to most simply as “Bob,” earned his heavenly wings on July 3, 2025. He passed away peacefully at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on November 19, 1938, in Lodi, Ohio, Bob was the son of Clifford E. and Britta L. Rickel. Alongside his sister, Joene, he was raised with strong values rooted in faith, family and community. He graduated from Mogadore High School in 1956 and later made Tallmadge his lifelong home, where he not only raised his family, but left a well-known presence throughout the community.

He dedicated over 30 years to the Tallmadge Board of Education. (He worked nights, but he seemed to know everyone - and everyone knew him.) If you went to school in Tallmadge, filled your gas tank in town at Mike’s Service Center, or swam at the YMCA, chances are you crossed paths with Bob.

He learned dedication and a strong sense of discipline by first serving our country with honor and distinction for just over four years in the Army, including time served in Vietnam. His service to our country instilled a sense of discipline and quiet pride that became a lasting part of his identity and carried throughout his life.

Beyond his professional and military service, Bob was a man of faith and wide-ranging passions - especially animals, cars and Cleveland sports. A longtime member of the Akron Baptist Temple, his faith was a guiding light. He inherited his love for animals from his father, dogs in particular, and it was rare to see him without one by his side. He was also a fiercely loyal Cleveland sports fan, no matter the weather or the score. He would press on through every heartbreak with eternal optimism: “Next year” was always going to be the year. And his affection for classic cars, especially his treasured blue 1967 Corvette, was well known - though some might argue he loved talking about it more than driving it, (because the last thing he had was a lead foot).

Above all else, Bob’s greatest joy and proudest moments were spent with his family - his cherished wife, Pamela; his daughter, Renee; and eventually, his son-in-law, Kevin, whom he welcomed as both family and fellow sports fanatic. Although his immediate family was small, Bob never met a stranger and considered family to be far greater than blood alone. He curated that by always being the eternal jokester, so I know his memory will be fondly recalled in every joke told, loyal bark of a furry friend and frustrated sigh after another classic Cleveland sports letdown - because he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pamela (Raines) Rickel and by his parents, Clifford and Britta (Garver) Rickel. He is survived by his daughter, Renee (Kevin) Garlock; sister, Joene; nieces, Mary, Elizabeth and Joan Raines, Kimberly (Charlie) Taylor and Heather Raines; nephews, William and David (Shelley) Raines, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, 44224, for visitation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM. Pastor Dan Page will conduct a graveside service on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11 AM, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2580 Romig Road, Akron, 44320.