Richard "Rick" Macko

Richard “Rick” Macko, age 71, of Mims, Florida, passed away on October 4, 2025. Born and raised in Barberton, Ohio, Rick graduated from Barberton High School in 1972. Rick served our country in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electrician, maintaining jet engines while out at sea as well as at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. Following an honorable discharge from the navy in 1976, he returned to Ohio to be near family until his move to Mims around 1983. Rick excelled in his work as a welder on the launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center, where he was known as a hard-working and reliable employee. He had a front row seat to many rocket and shuttle launches, and even met some astronauts. He retired in 2018.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Mary Macko; sisters, Theresa Leporis and Dorothy Roth; and brothers-in-law, Robert Renick, David Roth and Paul Glasgow. He is survived by brother, Ed Macko; sisters, Patty (Stan) Miller, Ronnie Macko (Shari Jackson), Mary Renick, Angie (Paul) Radvansky and Lori Glasgow; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his extended family in Florida, including Lonny and Stacey, Mickey and Regina, and Valerie.

From the time he was a young boy, Rick’s life was full of outdoor adventures, including hunting, fishing, frogging and trapping. Living in Florida provided year-round opportunities to do the things he loved outside. He proudly owned a beautiful piece of land that was perfect for him in every way. Rick was also a skilled mechanic; he could build or fix anything and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He put his endless energy to good use. He had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and could always be counted on for a funny story. During retirement, Rick taught himself to golf and also experienced a new adventure on a Caribbean cruise. He loved being on the water, whether on one of his boats or on a cruise ship.

Rick cherished his family and friends and was deeply loved in return. He knew what was important in life and made every day count. Even though he lived miles away, he stayed close with family, making every effort to come home for weddings or just a visit. Whenever he was in town, he made his rounds to see as many people as he could fit in. He also welcomed anyone to come visit him in Florida, giving them airboat rides and taking them shrimping. Rick was blessed to have dear friends in Florida who also became his family. They enjoyed many good times together and stood by each other unconditionally. Rick also loved his country and will be remembered as an honest, caring, patriotic, and generous man who was very protective of those he loved. We will miss you dear brother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Norton. Burial will follow immediately after at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rick’s memory may be made to one of the following organizations that were dear to his heart – St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warriors Project.