Richard Edward Ayers

Richard was born on September 22, 1962 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey to Merle and Edward Ayers. Richard served one tour in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic. This year was his 30th year with American Airlines as a distinguished aircraft mechanic and crew chief, known for his leadership and culinary contributions to the workforce. Rich was an avid trail runner, his favorite race to date being the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon, which he ran immediately before his lung cancer diagnosis in 2018. Rich was a dedicated father to his two human children, Shaina and Alex, and his three German Shepherds, Syrus, Kona and Raven. He was a loving and playful “Poppy” to his three adoring grandchildren and a loyal friend, brother, son and former husband.

He is preceded in death by his son, Alex Ayers; his mother, Merle Ayers; his mother-in-law Bette Storch; his brother-in-law, Jason Cole; as well as his grandparents.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter and son-in-law, Shaina and Jason Schreuder; his grandchildren, Adalyn, Eliana, and Tobin Schreuder; his father, Edward Ayers; his sisters Pamela Cole and Kristine Nichols; his ex-wife, Nancy Ayers; his father-in-law Robert Storch; as well as many other siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences can be shared at apexfuneral.net