Richard Waag II

Richard Waag II, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on October 26, 2023 after battling a multitude of ailments with his trademark stubbornness and humor.

Rick spent his early childhood years in Kettering, Ohio before moving to Wilmington, Ohio during high school where he was an exceptional baseball player and worked at the family's pizza store, Cassano's Pizza (now Generations Pizza). He joined the Air Force Reserve in 1966 and served honorably for six years.

After graduating from Wilmington College, he moved with his wife, Paulette, to the Cincinnati area, finally settling in Milford, Ohio to raise their daughter, Jennifer and build his career in insurance.

While Rick built an impressive career within the commercial insurance industry over four decades, his lifelong friendships were his most proud accomplishment during his working years.

In his leisure time, Rick enjoyed walking his dogs, playing golf, and scaring his family with picking up recreational shooting as a hobby in retirement. He also loved the Cleveland Browns for 70 years although they did not show much love back with their losing ways.

The greatest loves of his life were his grandchildren, Colton and Addelyn, who he spoiled with sugar and gifts and too many dad jokes. He was always their biggest cheerleader, eventually moving to the Chicago-area to spend more time with them.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Mildred Waag (nee Wright), and sister Gayle Steed.

Rick is mourned by his loving family, including his high school sweetheart Paulette (nee Rulon), his daughter Jennifer, his son-in-law Jeffrey, his grandchildren Colton and Addelyn Skinner, his sisters especially Susan Russell (Ronald), along with many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family and close friends who he was fiercely loyal to his entire life.

A memorial service to celebrate Rick's life was held at Smith Funeral Home, in Wilmington, Ohio, on November 6, 2023. To honor Rick's life, his family is requesting monetary donations to purchase a memorial tree at the Cincinnati Nature Center where Rick loved to walk his dogs. Any contributions are appreciated and can be sent to Jennifer Skinner via US mail or electronically via Venmo (@Jennifer-Skinner-10).

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