Richard Henry Hollander

Rick was a loving husband and soul-mate to his wife of 37 years, Jo Ellen Hollander (Blauser), and a wonderful son to his parents, Alice Hollander (Lucas) and Dick Hollander (deceased). He was a guiding force and source of lots of laughter to his children, Kari Hall (Hollander), Hank Hollander, Holli Worthington (Lindner) and Tara Leasure (Lindner), and a welcoming and proud father-in-law to Rick Hall, Stephanie Hollander, and Todd Leasure. Rick was also an adoring grandfather to his grandchildren, who he felt could do no wrong, Drake and McKenna Worthington, Brynna and Reagan Hall, and Evelyn and Isabelle Hollander.

Rick graduated from the Class of 1965, Brookhaven High School, with many life-long friends, and received a degree from the College of Social work from The Ohio State University, where he became a proud Buckeye. After graduation, the Bureau of Disability Determination hired Rick to be a Professional Relations Officer. A position he worked until he retired in 2005 with 36 years of employment.

He enjoyed many hobbies over the years from youth to an adult, to include playing football, swimming, drawing, stained glass, camping, golf, shooting sports, and yoga. He meticulously built the home he and his family loved. After a long day of work there was nothing better than enjoying a beer overlooking his three acres and watching all the deer and other animals that congregated under the apple tree.

There was no question he was a patriot and loved his country. Staunch believer in the freedom for which so many fought. He loved his fellow man, giving his time and money to many charities over the years, including the James Cancer Hospital/Solove Research Institute and First Community Church.

No one was a stranger to him, as anyone standing in line next to him at Kroger knew, and never missed an opportunity to give some love to any dog, cat, or other four-leggers that happened to cross his path.

There is no doubt that Rick is already enjoying his eternal life. He has thoroughly hugged all his family and friends that arrived before him, and is cuddled up with all his four-leggers who have been waiting patiently for him, and anxiously waiting for their Cheez-Its. He is basking in the Lord’s love and is undoubtedly already planning a little project that will make Heaven just that much better for everyone who will join him a little later.

A Memorial Service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at First Community Church, South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, 43212 on Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow in Brownlee Hall. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to Arthur G. James Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Advancement Services 660 Ackerman Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43202, “The James Nursing Fund # 313714” or online at cancer.osu.edu

Donations may also be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055.