November 7, 1933 - June 10, 2023
Visitation
Friday, June 16th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. at Moreland Funeral Home and Saturday from 9-9:50 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church
Service
Saturday, June 17th 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church
Burial
Resurrection Cemetery
Richard Joseph Rano, father, grandfather, great grandfather, veteran and friend to all, age 89, passed peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2023, and is now reunited with his wife of 66 years, Donna, in heaven. Richard was born in Hibbing, MN on November 7th, 1933 to Richard and Lillian. His siblings were Dennis and Caroline Rano/Charlie and Karen Howell. Affectionately known to family and friends, "Dick" met Donna in 10th grade English class at Hibbing High School where it was Donna who asked Dick to their first dance. Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1955 and proudly served until January 1959 in Concord, CA. Through the GI Bill, Dick earned both his Bachelor's in Education and Master's Degree in Parks and Recreation from the University of Minnesota in 1961. In 1966, he was hired to become the first full-time Parks and Recreation Director of Westerville, a town of just 7500 residents with only a few parks at the time. He dedicated his accomplished career, which spanned over 30 years, to grow and beautify city parks, and enhance recreation opportunities for all ages by working together with generous residents and city officials to build an award-winning parks program in Westerville, one of the most desired cities in America! His progressive, creative, and innovative ideas are seen in Highland Parks Aquatic Center, Hoff Woods, Metzger Park, Everal Barn, and the first Senior Center where he started the Senior Golf League to name a few. His department was a proud recipient of multiple Gold Medal Awards and Tree City USA honors. He often became emotional when so many community members would take the time to thank him for all he did to improve the city parks and their own lives.
The Rano family would like to thank Tom Bay, former City Manager of Westerville for hiring our Dad back in 1966 which provided us an amazing childhood and quality of life we all enjoy today. We also want to thank the wonderful and caring staff at The Landings of Westerville where our Dad spent the last month of his life before succumbing to a rare form of bone cancer, angiosarcoma. We will miss our Dad's warm smile, hugs, morning greeting of "Buongiorno!", many life lessons, and his inspiring stories. His presence will be missed by all who knew him. He loved his family, and his church community at St Paul The Apostle Catholic Parish where he coached middle school boys golf and he loved the game of golf where he beat his age at least 6 times in retirement. He was a loyal Westerville South Boys Basketball fan, a proud Italian American enjoying many trips to Italy as well as other world adventures. He loved his fellow bocce teammates, and pasta and meatballs. He was honored to be a part of Westerville Rotary Club, Sons of Italy, the Abruzzi Club, and serving as HOA President of Highland Lakes South.
Our father's bright light will shine forever in our hearts and live on through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored. Our Dad dedicated his life trying to help others enjoy theirs. Richard leaves behind his 6 loving children, Gary (Johnna), Christopher, Dennis, Michele (Edward) Calo, Linda (J) Jonard and Rick (Tess); 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, with one on the way in 2024; his sisters-in-law, Phil and Michele (Bernie), brother-in-law, Mickey (Santina), nieces, nephews, and dear friends. We are filled with comfort, joy, and peace that our parents are together again for eternity.
Please join us this Friday, June 16th at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. for calling hours. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 N. State Street, Westerville at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17th with a short visitation for those who wish to stop in the church lobby/parlor from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. Burial to follow at the Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation instead to the Westerville Parks Foundation to ensure parks and recreation programs will thrive for generations to come. WestervilleParksFoundation.org or make a donation to help children through The Brian Muha Memorial Foundation at brianmuhafoundation.org
Condolences
Elizabeth (Scott) Brennan - Jun 15, 2023
Condolences to your family on the loss of your father/grandfather. May his memory bring you comfort and peace.
HOLLY MALONE - Jun 15, 2023
ROGER USMC IT CANNOT BE INHERITED NOR CAN IT EVER BE PURCHASED. YOU AND NO ONE ALIVE CAN BUY IT FOR ANY PRICE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RENT AND CANNOT BE LENT YOU ALONE AND OUR OWN HAVE EARNED IT WITH YOUR SWEAT,BLOOD AND LIVES YOU WON IT FOREVER THE TITLE UNITED STATES MARINE GO WITH GOD MY BROTHER SEMPER FI
Judith Bancroft - Jun 15, 2023
My sincere condolences to each family member on your Fathers passing, as his life was of great service to the country and the community, enriching the lives of many.
Diana Thomas Westfall - Jun 15, 2023
My heartfelt sympathy to the whole family. Dick and Donna were so wonderful to our family when Mickey was ill and I will never forget all the many kindnesses they bestowed on our family. Hugs to all of you during this difficult time.
Sharon Villavecer - Jun 14, 2023
To the Rano family, Sending our heartfelt condolences to you on the death of your beloved father. Our families have been intertwined for so many years that our joys and pains are shared. Although the miles keep us from his funeral we will be there in spirit. He is now with your mom again. Special prayers to you Rick, Michelle, Linda, Tess and grands! All our love from the Villavecer Family, Virgil Sharon Michael and Daniel. Grandma Lina Villavecer
Gina Shultz - Jun 14, 2023
To the Rano family, Hugs of comfort during this time of great loss. Dick Rano was truly a remarkable man. So blessed to have learned to play bocce from the best! He was more than a bocce teammate as his kind words and fun personality were always a joy to be around. His love for family was so obvious in all he said and did. He was a proud Italian and we affectionately called him Dicky Bocce on the court. His pride in the community of Westerville was one he spoke of frequently even in retirement. He made the city a great place to live with the amazing parks and recreation system that will be around for generations to come. I will miss him dearly and fondly remember all the fun times, laughter and lessons he shared. Such a wonderful gift to have his friendship all these years.
Rachel Muha - Jun 14, 2023
Dear Rano Family, How sorry we are to hear of the passing of your dear father and grandfather. How happy we are that he is in the arms of God. But we know you will miss him, as we will. He was a good friend of The Brian Muha Foundation/Run The Race and we are grateful. We love you all, Rachel Muha and Everyone at the Foundation
Carole Bartlett - Jun 14, 2023
I am so sad to hear the news about your father! I know both your parents are in heaven looking down and smiling at their wonderful family! I told Dick we were distant cousins, both being half Swedish and half Italian. They are both sadly missed! Love, Carole
Tom Crothers - Jun 14, 2023
Linda and Family, I am so sorry to read of your Father's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Jane Falk - Jun 14, 2023
So sorry to hear about your dad. You all are in my thoughts- prayers for comfort for your whole family.
Ron Jones - Jun 14, 2023
The Jones family wishes to express our deepest sorrow for the loss of your Dad.He was a great man and friend! We are on vacattion and can"t attend the service but your family is certainly in our prayers!
Tom & Jennifer Post - Jun 13, 2023
Our condolences to the Rano family. We heard so many great stories of Dick Rano and know he was friends to so many in Westerville. God Bless.
Dale & Chris Wolfe - Jun 13, 2023
Deepest Sympathies on the loss of your father. Remembering your parents as one of the families from St. Paul’s that my parents knew. I remember your dad attending the Knights of Columbus picnic/party that was held at my parents house on Maxtown Rd. (Ken & Joan Schwartz). There was a lot of bocce ball & horse shoes played. Your dad made a huge difference in Westerville. We always enjoyed going to Highland Park. May your dad RIP.
Greg Thompson - Jun 13, 2023
Thank you Mr. Rano for your love and support and helping me be who I was meant to be. Thanks for your son Rick, my life long friend, and thanks for introducing me to loving sports. You coached me and taught me to be a team player! You included me and taught me that I was worth including! Mr. Rano, you made a difference to this short Italian, and I am forever grateful that you are part of my life’s blessings! May the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, welcome you home and give you the rest you so richly deserve! Well done good and and faithful servant, well done!
Rita Lindahl - Jun 13, 2023
My dear cousins. Can't tell you how much I hurt for all of you. Both awesome parents within one year. Wrap your arms around the memories and there must be plenty. The wonderful lives you are leading because of their dedication to you. I just wish we had lived closer. Always loved when we had those Carlson reunions so we'd get to spend time with them. Our next reunion will be with them. Till we meet then. Love you all!
Jane Reidenbaugh - Jun 13, 2023
My deepest sympathy and love to all the Rano family. You were blessed with the best Dad ever. May all the good memories come flowing back and give you Peace. HUGS
Mark Neff - Jun 13, 2023
God Bless your family in this difficult time and cherish all the wonderful memories youve created. Your Dad was a legend in Westerville and touched so many peoples hearts for so long!