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
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17 Replies to “Rick Marucci”
We feel so very privileged and blessed to have known Rick, and for embracing us as part of the family all these years. He will truly be missed. We send our love and deepest sympathy to Patti, Erica, Dan, Marissa, Jason and the rest of his family and friends. May God bless you all and comfort you in the coming days, weeks and years. We’re here for you and we love you.
Patti and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I remember you both in my prayers. It was always such fun at North.
Your dad saw something in our son that others didn’t see. He gave him a chance and a job last year. Kal spoke so highly of Rick and everything he taught him. We’re forever grateful for him and his influence in our son’s life. God rest his beautiful soul.
I am so sorry to hear of Rick‘s passing. I used to live in the community of Willowick with my husband and family. I first met Rick at the Cabin with his beautiful wife, Patty. I had the pleasure of serving them for many years in that restaurant. I also had the honor of videotaping their daughter Marissa‘s wedding. After all that, we became friends. I am sad. But will smile at the memories we’ve made over the years.
Coming from an Italian family – I totally got Mr. Marucci’s humor, and ground core family values, while hanging with his oldest daughter. I wish his family peace and light through this difficult time. God bless the Marucci Family 🌶️
May God bless you Rick you were always a good man and I liked you alot.
I just loved Rick! I always enjoyed spending time with him & Patti. Great friends are few & far between. My family has been blessed having them in our lives.🥰❤️
We are so very sorry Patti to hear about Rick. We will always remember him and his great sense of humor, he will be dearly missed. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
Rick was an amazing and dedicated individual, I enjoyed the friendship and business relationship I built with Rick over the past 20 years. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rick and his family.
I wish the entire family peace during this difficult time.
Rick had a way of making everyone feel at home, especially us kids. Getting invited over for one of his Sunday pool parties was always something we looked forward to. Between his rockin’ music, the amazing food on the grill, and just being together, it was something special.
I graduated with Rick. I had the privilege of his friendship and also had the great opportunity to work along side with him. He was very dedicated to his work, friends and family. Rick and I had some long hard working days yet for as hard as we worked we laughed just as hard! Nothing will replace those memories! My best wishes to the family. Thank you for everything Rick!
Rick was the Best. Great Family Man and a great Friend. I will miss him. Good times my Friend, My you rest in Peace.
I’m so very sorry for your loss Patty and the whole family i couldn’t believe it when I heard the news May you R.I.P Rick ❤️ God bless
Very sad to hear about Rick’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family.
My deepest condolences to Patty and her family. Rick was the water that kept my fire low. A true big brother, no sugarcoating just a straight up mans man. Needed that one more sit down with him , just to hang and cool down the mind. Most of all just to express my appreciation and gratitude for all he’s done for me and my family. RIP “Babe” , see you down the line 💔.
Rick was a dedicated hard working individual
His sense of understanding on how to get results were from creative experience
He will be missed
Rip Rick
The LaMalfa family sends you and your family our prayers during this most challenging times .We certainly hope that your family is held to us in the most highest regards.
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