Rick Marucci, age 70 of Willowick, passed away April 16th, 2026 at University Hospital in Cleveland surrounded by his family. He was born March 18th, 1956 in Cleveland.
Rick was a graduate of Eastlake North High School (class of ’74), and it was there where he met his best friend and soulmate Patti Mihalek. Rick and Patti married in 1976 and spent the next 50 years by each other’s side.
Rick was a pillar of the Willowick community, where he founded Lake County Sewer Co. in 1981, and continued to run right up until his passing. An extremely hard-working man, he was the silent mastermind of various development projects throughout the city he loved and called home.
When not at work, Rick enjoyed traveling with Patti as well as watching friends & family – especially grandkids – enjoying his backyard oasis. He had a great sense of humor and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Rick was the loving husband for 50 years to Patti Marucci (nee Mihalek); beloved father of Michael Marucci, Erica (Dan) Bokar, and Marissa (Jason) Giannetti; cherished grandfather of Isabella, and Gianni Marucci, Ella Santarelli and Zachary Bokar, Gianna, Nina and Dominic Giannetti; son to the late Jake (Barb) Marucci and the late Joanne Cooney; brother of Patrick Marucci, Greg Marucci, Kelly Belnap, and the late Mike Marucci; uncle to many nieces and nephews; son in law of the late Bob and Clorinda Mihalek; dear friend and business collaborator of Frank (Denise) Klima; trusted leader, mentor, and friend of his beloved Lake County Sewer crew.
The Marucci’s will receive family and friends from 2:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, April 24th, 2026 at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine Street, Willowick.
Donations can be made in Rick’s name to St. Mary Magdalene Church www.smmwillowick.org
