(Former Swanton American Legion Commander)
Richard “Rick” G. Zieroff, age 74, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday morning, July 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and friends. He was born June 19, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio to Elmer, Jr. and Mary Louise (Maher) Zieroff.
Rick graduated from Springfield High School in 1968, and later enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving overseas in Germany with the 2nd Battalion 3rd Division. He was very patriotic and dedicated to his country.
On June 23, 1973, he married Kimberly A. Randall. Rick worked for Seaway Food Town as a truck driver and warehouseman. He always had a knack for doing whatever he could to make people laugh. From a young age, he cherished spending time at the lake cottage on Silver Lake, where he jokingly referred to himself as the “Mayor of Silver Lawn.”
Rick was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed helping out the Sullivan’s Crew cooking chicken on open BBQ Pits for church festivals and other community events. Most importantly, he had a deep love for his grandchildren.
Rick served as the Past Commander of the Swanton American Legion Post #479, and was also involved with the Swanton VFW, Swanton Elks, and Sylvania Moose Lodge, as well as embodying a sense of duty and service to his community.
Rick is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Kim; son Tim (Kristy) Zieroff; daughter Tina (Dan) Grabarczyk; grandchildren Keaton, Lilly, Liam, and Landree; sisters Mary Ellen (Bob) Piasecki and Janet (Shawn) Lammon; brother Joe (Rebecca) Zieroff; sister-in-law Sandy Zieroff; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Eric Wagener; as well as many nieces and nephews and very special close friends Mike and Debbie Kennedy and Tom and Eloise Sullivan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary Louise Zieroff, and his brother Larry Zieroff.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 14th from 3 to 7 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:45 pm. Visitation will continue Monday, July 15th at St. Richard Catholic Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am, with Fr. Eric Culler presiding. Military Honors conducted by the Swanton American Legion Honor Guard will immediately follow the Mass. Interment at St. Richard’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 10220 Waterville St., Whitehouse, OH 43571.
May Rick rest in peace knowing he touched the lives of many with his kindness and humor.