Richard Eugene Warner Sr.

Richard E. Warner Sr., known to family and friends as Rick, passed away on May 5, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania on July 3, 1960 to the late Raymond and Helen Warner.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his sister, Rita Warner.

Rick will be dearly missed by his wife of 41 years, Cheryl Warner; daughter, Jessica (Zack) Van Arsdale; son, Ricky Warner Jr.; grandchildren, Mackynzie, Miranda, and Stephanie; brother, Ray Warner; brothers-in-law, Pete (Diana) Hooverman and Mark (Melissa) Hooverman; nephews and nieces, Robert Warner, Lindsey (Mark) Valentine, Marissa (Chris) Dove, Kelsey (Mike) Kline, and Audrey (Arie) Zevenbergen; great-nieces and great-nephews, Lauren Prough, Lucas Warner, Gideon Dove, Victor Zevenbergen, and William Zevenbergen.

Rick will also be missed by his beloved rescue dog, Lucky, who was always by his side when he didn't feel well.

While a student at Cuyahoga Falls High School, Rick worked at B&B Towing, a local gas station. It was there that he met a pretty girl named Cheryl Hooverman. They hit it off immediately and quickly fell in love. They married in 1984 and their family grew to include a daughter and a son. Rick and Cheryl lived in Cuyahoga Falls for several years before settling in the Kenmore area of Akron.

Rick spent his entire career as a mechanic, developing his skills in several area garages before opening his own business, J&R Automotive in Kenmore. He finished his career at Akron Auto Clinic, retiring in 2022.

When he wasn't working, Rick enjoyed NASCAR, Ohio State football, and Cleveland baseball and basketball. For many years, he was part of a local bowling league.

If you knew Rick, you knew where you stood with him. He was a straight shooter who told you exactly what he thought. His determination and strong will made him a natural leader. He had a brilliant mind and was self-taught in mechanics, electricity, carpentry, and more. He was generous with his time and knowledge and was always willing to help others with their home projects.

Above all, Rick was a devoted family man. He and Cheryl were soulmates who went everywhere together. Rick always put Cheryl first and even in his last days, he was more concerned about her than himself. Rick was so proud of his children, Jessica and Ricky. His legacy will live on through them as well as his precious grandchildren. Rick also loved spending time with his siblings, nephews, nieces, and cousins. The memories he had with them carried him through his tough times. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and cousin and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12:30 pm with visitation from 10:30 am until the time of the service at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305, Pastor Bob Long officiating. Rick will be laid to rest at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

To view the service at the scheduled time, click here.  Service can be viewed for 60 days.

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