Richard "Rick" Espey

Richard J. “Rick” 64, of Kentucky, formerly of Acme, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in T.J. Health Columbia in Columbia, Ky., with his loving wife by his side.

 He was born Jan. 28, 1958, in Greensburg, son of the late Robert L. and Charlotte Mae (Lander) Espey Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert L. “Bob”  Espey Jr., and his mother-in law, Nora Hoke Funk. Rick was a U.S. Marine veteran. Prior to his retirement, he was a security guard, having worked for Roaring Run Resort, in Champion, Pa., for more than 12 years. His passion was showing his Pontiac Fiero and his Mustang convertible at every car show in the area. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in his garage tinkering and detailing cars. He was the life of the party and sometimes thought he was a comedian.

 Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Amy (Funk) Espey; his two daughters, Deborah (Steve) Foster, of Carlisle, Pa., and Shelley (Joe) Flory, of Newville, Pa.; brother, Randy (Mary) Espey, of Kentucky; sister, Rhonda (Jeff) Gourdie, of Hunker; special niece, Christa (Alex) Brucker; and special nephew, Connor Gourdie; father-in-law, Clyde R. Funk, of New Brighton; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

 Rick's smile and his funny jokes will forever be remembered. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and neighbors near and far. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., 404 Sewickley Ave., Herminie, PA 15637, 724-446-7251, at which time a funeral service will be held in the funeral home. 

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Excela Health (Medical Oncology), 200 Village Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601, in memory of Rick. 

 To send online condolences, please visit www.nickelsfuneralhomeinc.com.

 Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.