Ricky M. “Rick” Criss

Ricky M. “Rick” Criss died peacefully at home on June 21, 2018, in Louisville, OH at the age of 66 following a courageous battle with cancer. Rick was born on August, 15, 1951, in Massillon, OH to William and Lorita (Gerbeck) Criss, and grew up in Canton, OH. He attended St. Benedict’s Catholic school and graduated from Timken High School in 1970. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 6, 1970. Rick served for 20 years, retiring on June 20, 1990 as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement, Rick returned to Ohio, where he worked as the Road Superintendent for Lake Twp. for 17 years.

Rick was a member of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Sportsman’s Club. An avid outdoorsman, Rick taught hunter’s safety education classes in both Germany and the United States. He was an active and dedicated member of St. Benedict/St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where Rick served as a member of the parish council, Youth Ministry advisor and usher. He was an adventurous man who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. Rick was passionate about his family and children, and often volunteered his time as a baseball coach, merit badge counselor, and worked as a substitute teacher and aid for school children with disabilities.

Rick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shirley “Sam” Criss; children, Carrie (Matt) Cass, Anthony “Tony” (Jessica) Criss, and Kevin (Nicole) Criss; grandchildren, Olivia and Emma Cass, and soon to be baby Stephen Criss; siblings, William “Bill” Criss and Holly (Joe) Ferguson and sister-in-law, Lynn Criss; and a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorita, father William, step-father, Stephen Bukovinsky, son, Stephen, and brother Thomas and Tom’s wife Melody.

Rick’s family will receive friends Monday, June 25, 2018 from 4-7 pm at the Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home in Louisville. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church with Father Benson C. Okpara and Father Donald Feicht officiating. Interment will follow in St. Louis Parish Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rick’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Rick’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Mercy Hospice, or a charity of your choosing. The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice for all of their care. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.paqueletfalk.com.

Paquelet-Falk Funeral Home & Crematory

330-875-2811

Serving Ohio Families Since 1867