Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Although a man of few words, Rick Pelham, 60, of Norwalk, could say everything through his smile and laughter. He left this earth on Friday, July 23 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, Ohio 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 went on to work 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 8 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; his maternal grandparents Jerome and Estella Bishman; and his paternal grandparents Frank and Armetta Scard.
Visitation for friends will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home at 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. A celebration of life will follow on Saturday, July 29, 2023 for friends and family.
Those wishing to contribute to Rick's memory can send donations in lieu of flowers to the 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
