Richard “Rick” Walseth Gano, 67, passed away peacefully at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee. Born January 4, 1956, in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Robert Daniel Gano, Sr. and Marilyn Jean Gano. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1974 in Wilmington, DE. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1978 and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia. He began his career in Delaware with DuPont/Lucite International, until he was promoted and transferred to Memphis, Tennessee in 1990. He worked as a Chemical Engineer in a technical sales support role, which allowed him to travel extensively, until he retired early after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Rick was an avid outdoorsman and athlete who loved golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, snow skiing, softball, track, football and basketball. He spent countless hours coaching track and field, soccer, softball, baseball, and basketball. He is also an SOS - Skydivers Over Sixty! Despite the physical and mental frustrations caused by Parkinson’s, he persevered. He wanted to enjoy his family & friends as long as possible. He was very grateful for the Parkinson’s exercise and support group that kept him strong as well as the love and support he received from family and friends.
He was a devoted and loving husband, son, father, grandfather and friend, who traveled the world, revered other cultures, and took a personal moment with so many people with whom he crossed paths. He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan – both of which gave him a final year that included a World Series and Super Bowl.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Gano Sr., his paternal grandparents, Daniel and Alta Gano (Richmond, VA) and his maternal grandparents, Clarence and Dorothy Walseth (Richmond, VA).
He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Zawisza Gano, his mother, Marilyn Jean Gano, his son, Dr. Daniel Richard Gano and his wife, Dr. Jessica Gano (Phoenix, AZ), his daughter, Dr. Kari Lynn Winfrey, and her husband Darren (Memphis, TN), his son Michael Robert Gano (San Francisco Bay, CA), his adopted daughter, Andrea Quigley (Lake Worth, FL), his grandchildren, Grey, Rori, Max and Iris, his brothers, Robert Daniel Gano Jr. and his wife, Donella (Frankford, DE), James Hansell Gano and his wife, Mary Ann (York, PA), John Walls Gano (Wilmington, DE); and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly. Rick was so proud of all his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces and he will still be cheering for them from above.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2 pm in the Chapel and Performing Arts Center at St. George’s Independent School, 8250 Poplar Ave. Germantown, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Rick by treating others with kindness, taking some time out of your day to sing and dance to your favorite music, and connecting with friends and family.
If you feel so compelled, please make any donations to the Baptist Reynold’s Hospice House in his name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Gano family.
