Richard (Rich) Sean Hardek (age 56) of Northwood, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 4, in the comfort and peace of his home after soldiering through a four-year battle with cancer. Rich was the rock of his family -- true love to his wife Doreen Cutway and Papa to their sons Evan and Sean Hardek.

Rich was born on May 14, 1966, in East Pittsburgh, Penn., to his late parents Melvin Hardek and Elizabeth (Evans) Nawrocki. He and Doreen called Ohio home for their 28 years of marriage, but Rich was always a Western Pennsylvanian at heart. He loved the mountains and rivers, considered himself a Yinzer, and was forever true to his Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates.

After graduating from Hempfield Senior High School in Greensburg, Penn., in 1985, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as an infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division from 1985 - 1990 and was stationed at Ferris Barracks in Erlangen, Germany, and Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. Thanks to his GI Bill benefits, he earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1997.

He loved listening to music -- especially The Police, playing disc golf, hiking in Pennsylvania and the Great Smoky Mountains, and watching ridiculously long documentaries. Although a man of few words, his family and friends counted on him for clever zingers and song parodies to liven a party or ease sadness. And, those moments -- when he brought smiles and laughter to those he loved -- were his happiest.

Rich is survived by his brother James (Jim) Nawrocki; nieces and nephew Amber, Sunshine and Brendyn Nawrocki; uncle Rob (Ruth) Evans; mother-in-law Elaine Weisner; father-in-law Ken (Lynn) Cutway; brother-in-law Justin (Heather Bowman) Cutway; and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers William (Bill) and Melvin (Mel) Hardek, aunt Darla (Evans) Mitchell, and step father-in-law Robert (Bob) Weisner.

His family would like to thank Kevin Reinard, MD; Stephen Werning, MD; and all of the amazing physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and others who cared for Rich at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, ProMedica Cancer Institute, and ProMedica Hospice. Their dedication and compassion often gave him the support he needed to continue his fight.

A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to Rich’s family at www.barndt funeral home.org.