Richard "Rich" Thomas Peets

Richard “Rich” Thomas Peets, age 53, of Akron, died unexpectedly on Thursday June 16th 2022.

Celebration of life will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2022 with calling hours from 4pm-7pm; at 7pm everyone is invited to openly share sentiment, stories and memories.

Richard was born March 26, 1969 to Harry and Marguerite Peets in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Bainbridge with his older brother, John. He graduated from Kenston High School in 1987 and then graduated from University of Akron with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Polymer specialization. On January 9th, 1999, he was united in marriage to Tiffany Joy Gehling at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, Minnesota. Together they have three loving sons. He began his engineering career at ITT Automotive in Twinsburg, Ohio, and was currently employed at PT Tech LLC as Core Engineering Manager. Throughout his career he held positions at Coltene Whaledent, Carlisle Brake and Friction, and Delta Systems Inc. Many colleague relationships turned into lifelong friendships. As a student athlete at Kenston High School, Rich collected many friends. One of his fondest memories was winning the OHSAA State Cross Country Championship in 1983 with his older brother John. Rich continued his enjoyment of sports throughout his life. Particularly, developing a passion for beach volleyball while continuing to collect many friends. He also enjoyed restoring vehicles such as Toyota FJ-40s and Jeeps, snowmobiling, and snowboarding. A man of many talents, he played bass guitar in a rock band, the Strain, alongside his close friends. In addition, he maintained vast interest in home improvement projects. With a never ending curiosities and abilities, Rich was always investing in projects, big or small. With a kind heart, he was always sharing his gift of fixing anything with friends and neighbors. With his wife, Tiffany, and their three sons Kade, Clay, and Braylon (B) Rich loved hiking, family trips and adventures, spending time on the slopes, motorcycling, cheering at son’s sporting events and anytime spent with his pet poodle or getting ice cream. He will be so greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Gertrude Evans and Uncle Mike Evans.

He is survived by his wife Tiffany of 23 years, sons Kade, Clay and Braylon (B) .His parents Harry and Marguerite Peets of Bainbridge, OH. His brother, John Peets and sister-in-law, Melanie of Brentwood, TN. Father-in-law Ronald Gehling, and Mother-in-law Lanna Gehling of Preston, MN; Sister-in-law Shannon Kline (Bruce) of Apple Valley MN; Brother-in-laws Matt Gehling and Ben Gehling of Preston MN, His nephews Braden Peets, Jake, Jordan and Joe Kline, and his nieces Kennedy and Audrey Peets, as well as his many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Akron Snow Angels, Humane Society of Summit County, or Heart/Cancer research. 

The Celebration of Life Service will be live-streamed through FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BillowFuneralHomes

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.