Richard Joseph Rodgers

Richard Joseph Rodgers, age 73, died at his home on December 20, 2019. Rick was a life-long Akron area resident and a 1964 graduate of John R. Buchtel High School. Rick worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber before joining the Akron Fire Department in 1972 where he eventually became a member of the first Akron Paramedic class and responded to the first paramedic call. Rick retired from the department in 1997 and spent the last 22 years doing the things he loved most - helping others, working jobs for his home improvement business, golfing, attending various activities with his grandchildren, serving on Norton City Council,wintering in Florida, cooking Sunday dinners and spending time with family and friends.
Rick will be greatly missed by many but especially so by his wife of 35 years, Susan; children, Denice Ryan (Timothy), Charles Dennison, Richard F. Rodgers, Brian Dennison (Jodie), Jennifer Hein (Brian), Tracy Rodgers; grandchildren, Thomas Gordon (Kalen), Jordan Rodgers, Courtney Hine (Ryan), Charley Dennison (Fred), Nathan Rodgers (Maddy), Kaitlin Dennison (Steve), Mackenzie Ryan, Rachael Ryan, Cody Hein (Wendy), Chase Rodgers, Alexis Bogdan, Emily Dennison, Maurice Allen, Casey Rodgers, Mia Rodgers, Joseph Rodgers; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Helen Humphrys, James Rodgers (Li), Pamela Clelland (Tommy), Beverly Summers (James); aunt, Elizabeth Zahab; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine (Kalial) Rodgers and his brother, John "Bud" Rodgers.
Rick's family wishes to thank Dr. Weiquan Lu, Dr. Susan Hong, and the staff at Akron General 5400 Unit, MICU, CVICU, and the Radiation Oncology Unit for all their compassionate care.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. with a Last Alarm service at 7:45 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. Funeral services with The Reverend Thomas Fox presiding will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6462 Ridge Rd, Sharon Center, OH 44274 at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park will be private. Per Rick's request, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.