Richard Whiteleather

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4

It is with both heavy and joyful hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Allen Whiteleather from this world and into God’s Glory on November 8, 2025. Surrounded by his wife, Marcia, together since 1993, and his children, Jennifer and Ryan, he passed peacefully at his beloved Berlin Lake home. He was 72 years old.

Born on November 22, 1952, Rick grew up in Lake Milton, Ohio, as one of nine children of Russell and Ruth (Evans) Whiteleather. His upbringing instilled in him Christian faith, a strong work ethic and a love for nature and especially lake life.

A 1971 graduate of Jackson-Milton High School, Rick was a football standout for the Bluejays, playing both sides of the ball as full-back and linebacker, respectively. In 1970, he earned Second Team All-Ohio honors for linebacker. His senior year, he was awarded team MVP and was selected for the ICL All-Star team as a full back. Rick was known for his hard hitting and hard work while at Jackson-Milton.

In 1974, Rick was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, after two years of faithful service, including time in Okinawa, Japan. Selected as platoon honorman in basic training at Parris Island, he earned the National Defense Service medal, H-16 Rifle Expert Badge, and .45 Cal. Pistol Sharpshooter distinctions.

According to Rick, the day after he was discharged from the Marines, his big brother Russell picked him up and took him to work, where he began his 30-year career with Cleveland-based Acme Arsena construction company. Rick and his brothers Russell and Ron worked together for years and had a hand in constructing iconic Cleveland skyline staples like the BP Building, Progressive Field and Rocket Arena among others. With an hour-long commute each way, he showed up to work without complaints in the rain, snow and sun. His last project before he retired in 2003 was the Dolan Science Center at John Carroll University, coincidentally the same campus and the same year his daughter Jennifer began her undergraduate career.

When his children were young, he taught them to foster joy and not take life too seriously. He was known for his enthusiasm and creativity for Christmas and Christmas lights that he passed down to his son, Ryan. Rick was the dad who took his family boating, waterskiing, fishing, to rock concerts in the big city of Cleveland and helped them appreciate the little things in life. He loved to watch the birds from his porch chair, much like his mother had done from the window of her beloved kitchen. For years, he and his wife Marcia traveled out West to visit family in Nevada and California, where they soaked up the sun and enjoyed camping adventures together.

He’d give you the shirt off his back and was known as a generous, helpful, kind and comedic neighbor. While he was a man of few words, he showed love and care through acts of service and quality time. He was a generous gift-giver, and though a country boy at heart, he loved some finer things in life, like quality American cars, a top-of-the-line pair of winter boots and Craftsman tools.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ruth Whiteleather; brother Randolph “Jake” Whiteleather and sister-in-law Lenore; and brothers Russell and Ronald Whiteleather. He loved his parents and siblings dearly and mourned the premature and tragic losses of his brothers whom he counted as his close friends.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Bryan) Arnold of Columbus, and Ryan (Sara) Whiteleather of Hudson, and his grandchildren, Malachi, Isaiah, Shiloh and Canaan Arnold, and Arthur and Harrison Whiteleather. He says “goodbye for now” to sisters Ruth Ann Wilson of Dayton, TN; Robin (Gary) Nichol, of Merced, CA; Rebecca (Joe) Christopher of Akron; brothers Ross Whiteleather of Canton, OH and Reed (Christine) Whiteleather of North Palm Beach, FL.

A private gathering will be held to honor his life in the spring at Sebring Friends Church, with a lakeside family cook-out afterward – just the way he liked to party.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home 330-535-9186.