Richard E. Hetrick

Richard E. Hetrick, 79, passed away June 18th, 2026.

Born in Akron, he graduated from East High School and was a resident of Uniontown. He was employed at PCI for 25 years and a member of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church. Rich enjoyed woodworking, yardwork, bowling, fishing, and playing cards. He loved sports, including golf and baseball.

To his dismay his Browns never won a Superbowl, and the Guardians struggled to make it to the World Series. He was an avid “story teller” with a great sense of humor. Rich loved to dance and genuinely loved life, his family and friends. His faith in our Lord was strong and he was seeking to know him, and to be in his presence. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to have known him. Rest well, you were the very best of us.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bob Philpott, Bob Hetrick, Tom Philpott, Art Hetrick, Lola Spangler, and Jackie Wallis. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Nickie Ciolli-Hetrick; children, Daniel Hetrick (Tonja) and Sarah Kaylor (Paul); stepchildren, David Ciolli (Mellanie) and Teresa Falkenstein (Keith); grandchildren, Nathan, Victoria, Benjamin, Megan, Delaney, Joshua, Katie, Christian; great grandson, Ryder; sister, Lois Stewart; brothers and lifelong friends, Bobby Chalman and Frank Mandl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Oak Hill Presbyterian Church.

Family and friends will be received Monday, June 22nd from 6 to 8pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale St. NW, Uniontown, OH 44685. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 23rd at 11am at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave, Akron, OH 44312. Burial for family and close friends will take place at Northlawn Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, June 24th at 12pm.