Rick E. Greenfield

Rick E. Greenfield, 69, of Liberty Township passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023. He was born in Hialeah, FL and grew up on the west side of Youngstown. He graduated from Chaney High School and earned a business degree from Youngstown State University.

As a child and young adult, Rick enjoyed family vacations in Nags Head, NC. He loved swimming in the ocean and fishing off the pier. He was naturally athletic and participated in many sports, including baseball, basketball, and skiing, and was a ringers and checkers champion. After a surgery left him with limited mobility, he continued to work and played competitive wheelchair basketball with the Youngstown Hot Wheels team. A diehard Cleveland sports fan, Rick rooted for the Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians/Guardians in good years and bad. A student of the games, he called plays and predicted outcomes before the announcers and could tell a home run by the sound of the bat.

A hard worker from a young age, Rick held various jobs as a teenager and young adult, including as a salesperson at Lustig’s Shoes and a partner in the family furniture business. He spent the majority of his 40+-year career at Phantom Fireworks, first as one of its founding visionaries and most recently as Director of Retail Operations. Rick loved his colleagues, and they loved him.

An avid music lover and fan of rock ‘n roll, Rick attended many concerts over the years. He was obsessed with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and had a personalized BRN2RN license plate. Toward the end of every three-hour show, Rick would always smile and say, “And that’s why The Boss is The Boss.”

Rick is survived by his son Matthew, father Arthur (and Judy Davis), sister Carol (Jeff) Mirkin, brother Daniel (Michele), niece Casey Mirkin, aunt Elaine Zolton, uncles Gary and Larry (Peggy) Zolton, and cousins Andi (Ash) Zolton and Amy Zolton (Taylor Perkins).

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother Rena “Cookie” Greenfield, nephew Ryan Mirkin, and grandparents Emily and Aaron Zolton and Fannie and Victor Greenfield.

Everyone who knew Rick loved him. He was smart and funny, generous and determined, a good listener and friend. Despite his physical disability, he had unbelievable mental strength and fortitude and worked hard to remain independent. He lived by the words “patience and perseverance.” Rick’s memory will always be a blessing, and sharing the joy of who he was will be a privilege for those who knew him.

Rick’s family wishes to thank the Liberty Township Fire Department and EMTs for their kindness and assistance last year as well as everyone who helped to care for him at Heritage Manor. Donations may be made in Rick’s name to the YSU Ryan Mirkin Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology Fund.

At Rick’s request, no calling hours or services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home.
Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneral home.com.

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