Richard E. Privara, age 72, of North Royalton, entered eternal peace on April 17th, 2026. He leaves behind a loving family who adored him: his siblings Charles (Laura), Nancie (Richard) Stephenson, and Linda Utley; his nieces and nephews Leanne (Donn) Suesse, Charles Privara, Michael Stephenson, Mitchell Utley, and Sarah (Luke) Anderson; and his great‑nephew Ivan Suesse. He was the cherished son of the late Emil and Virginia (née Liscynski) Privara.
Ricky was one of those rare people who turned everyday moments into memories. A wildly talented cake decorator, he once had the brag worthy honor of decorating a birthday cake for Lou Ferrigno, the original Incredible Hulk. Fun loving to his core, Ricky had an unmistakable zest for life and a heart as big as his smile. Whether he was pulling pranks, sharing a laugh, or chasing his next adventure, he lived fully and fearlessly. His passions knew no bounds: skydiving, golfing, bowling, racquetball, tennis, bike riding, speed ice skating, roller blading, and, of course, hitting the open road on his motorcycle. He was always the first to help out, show up, or bring joy and he will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Ricky proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and will be laid to rest with full military honors, a tribute fitting for a man who lived with courage, loyalty, and heart.
A funeral service will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, OH 44273, with interment to follow. As the cemetery cannot accept flowers, the family kindly invites memorial donations to a suicide prevention or mental health organization of your choice, in the spirit of care and compassion Ricky always showed others.
Guests are encouraged to dress casually; jeans, sweatpants, a funny T‑shirt, whatever feels right. Ricky wasn’t a dress‑up kind of guy, so come as you are. And in the words of our beloved Ricky: “Giddy up!”
I will always remember Ricky’s smile and his giggle, especially when we were kids. I pray that he has found peace and light on his journey into the beyond, where there is no pain.
I agree with all that and more! He always was a bright light in the room ready to jump in on anything that sounded like a fun and have a good laugh! Peace be with you Ricky.
Ricky always greeted Uncle Al and I with a huge smile whenever he’d meet up with us at the Scandinavian Health Spa. He would tell us all about his motorcycle trips wherever, and we’d say “YOU WENT WHERE” in disbelief, as he made so many unusual trips. Quite a guy, as he really enjoyed everything he tried. Ricky was loved by all for his sweet and outgoing personality. God bless you Ricky.
Rick Privara,
Ricky was my good friend. We played pool at the last stop inn, we worked together Fazio’s,
Stop-n Shop, Giant Eagle. We played golf ⛳️ together, had a good time always. Ricky was funny and very trustworthy. Great Baker, cake Decorator, and all great guy.
God Bless you Buddy,
Dave Zito.
“Tortilla” was such a funny guy who always made us laugh. I’ll never forget waking up at the World Freefall Convention. Tortilla had arrived sometime in the middle of the night. He told us he didn’t feel like pitching his tent in the dark so he just rolled himself up in a tarp, “like a rat in a tortilla”. We had a lot of good times in the sky at Parkman, Quincy, and Richmond.
Blue skies, my friend.
My cuz, my partner in mischief, my golf buddy, my friend. You are missed now and will continue to be. I valued our time together, wish it could’ve been more. Be at peace. I’ll carry your spirit with me moving forward.