Richard N. Seither Jr.

Richard “Rick” Neil Seither, Jr., 69, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born April 10, 1956, Rick lived a life marked by intelligence, hard work, generosity, and a gift for making people laugh. As an ASE Master Certified Technician, he ran a successful automotive service station before turning his passion for automotive engineering into a career teaching post-secondary and alternative education. Whether in the garage, the classroom, or on the field coaching youth sports, Rick had a way of inspiring others, passing on his skills, and helping people believe in themselves.

Rick loved life’s simple pleasures-family time, the outdoors, singing along to Brooks & Dunn, and cheering for his beloved Cleveland Browns. He had a brilliant, curious mind that thrived on challenges-whether mastering poker, solving intricate puzzles, or outthinking opponents in strategy games. His quick wit and mischievous grin lit up every room with laughter. Rick gave so much of himself to others, and in return, he was deeply loved.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard; mother, Phyllis; and brother, Ron.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Barb; children, Brandi (and her son, Brandon), Derrick (Tara), (and their children, Trey, Derrick, Maggie, Myla, and Millie), Brian (Sara), (and their children, Bailee, Cole, and Austin), Erica Bertram Takacs (Gregg), (and their children, Nick and Owen), Nathan Beachler (Olivia), (and their children, Mariah, Brenna, Brody, and Joseph, and Rick’s great-grandson Elijah), and Zachary Beachler (and his son, Dustin); sisters, Brenda, Diane, and Cheryl; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, former students, and friends.

The family invites donations to a scholarship fund to be established in Rick’s name to honor his lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring, and all things automotive. His legacy will live on in the successes of the students he so passionately supported.

Rick will be remembered for his intelligence, his humor, and the way he lifted others with both wisdom and kindness. Though his chair may now be still and his hands at rest, his influence carries on-in every skill he shared, every puzzle he solved, every lesson he taught, and every life he touched. His legacy is alive in every student who dreams bigger, every family moment of laughter, and every story retold with a grin-forever steady, strong, and smiling.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will come together to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy.

"Though his tools rest and the cards are set aside, Rick’s wit, wisdom, and love remain-a steady light guiding us through life’s journey with strength, grace, and a smile."