Richard W Pugh

Richard "Rick" Pugh, age 73, of Lima, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his family on January 15, 2026, at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center. 

Rick was born in Lima, Ohio to Donald and Loretta (Reiger) Pugh. On March 18, 1972, Rick married Kathleen "Kathy" Gilliland of Lima, at St. Rose Catholic church. His wife survives in Lima OH.

Rick enjoyed cheering on and helping his grandkids with projects. He was a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. He loved working on home projects. He considered mowing the lawn a hobby. He enjoyed managing his crops and watching the farm report. Rick was a lifelong Catholic and longtime member of St. Charles Catholic church working on the building committee and participating as an usher/communion steward, and his most favorite pastime was talking with people, he didn't know a stranger.

Rick graduated from Lima Central Catholic School. He earned his associate's degree in business from Lima Technical College. He went to work for Sandkuhl Clay Works in 1984 and continued to work for them for 34 years. He was member of the Brick Industry association serving on the board promoting the use of brick and masonry products for new construction applications. He worked with Apollo career center and the local union of brick layers to establish a program for young students. He traveled the country teaching courses on building techniques for masonry fireplaces.

Rick is survived by his son Jeff (Christy) Pugh, Prince George, VA, Daughters Stephanie (Terry) Nielsen, Spencerville, OH, Kristi (Dennis Busse) Michaud, Columbus, OH, Grandsons Keith Nielsen, Spencerville, OH, Connor (Carrie) Nielsen, Fairfield, OH, Wyatt (Kirsten Voice) Nielsen, Spencerville, OH, Granddaughters Morgan Michaud, Columbus, OH, Cadence (Andres Arteta) Michaud, Columbus, OH, Sisters Donna Johnson Canton, OH, Debbie (Neason) Burner Belle Glade, FL, Sister- In-Law Pam Gilliland, Spring Hill, FL, 7 nieces and a nephew. Rick leaves many cousins and Co-parents-in-law Curt and Janet Nielsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Loretta Pugh, Thad Gilliland (Father-in-law), Wanda Gilliland (Mother-in-law), Diana McLoughlin (Sister), Steven Gilliland (Brother-in-law), Dan Carrier (Brother-in-law), D.H. Childress (Uncle-in-law), Victoria Renee Pugh (Granddaughter), and a niece.

His family would like to thank his many healthcare providers for providing excellent care through his cancer journey.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on January 20, 2026, at Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home located at 506 N. Cable Rd Lima, OH. Catholic Service with Father Kent Kaufman officiant will be held immediately following visitation at noon.

Memorials and donations may be made to Mercy Health- St. Rita's outpatient Cancer Center. 

Hanneman Funeral Homes is honored to serve Rick’s family during this time. Condolences may be expressed at www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard W Pugh, please visit our floral store.