Rich Petrilla

Rich Petrilla, 45, Lewis Center, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2015. Rich was born in Selma, Alabama to Richard and Diane Petrilla. As an Air Force brat he was lucky to have lived all over the world and the US. He would often speak fondly of the experience this life provided him.

Rich did not put down roots until he came to The Ohio State University, where he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1992. He remained in Columbus after graduating and began a long career in the media business, first as a Research Director at Clear Channel Radio and then most recently as the Owner of Hutchison Media Consultant.

Rich was an avid Buckeye fan attending many home games since graduating from the university. He was known, fondly, to many as “the guy who knew something about everything and could fix anything”. He was an animal lover to a fault and his most recent special companion was his pit bull Lola who often accompanied him to work and enjoyed riding in his convertible.

Outside of his family that includes his wife, Heather Lauderback and daughter, Layne, Rich’s other passions in life were golf, barbequing, guns and traveling. Rich was a kind and gentle soul who loved his family fiercely, was honest to a fault, and was always willing to help someone anytime and anywhere; to know Rich was to love him. He was an amazing father to his daughter who meant the world to him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 18 years, his parents and brother Kevin (Cheryl) Petrilla and nephews Cole and Alex , parents-in-law Sanford and Carolyn Lauderback, sisters-in-law Teresa Fightmaster and Cynthia Cloud, a host of loving aunts uncles and cousins too numerous to count.

A Celebration of Life party will be held Sunday April 26 at Northstar Golf Club, Sunbury Ohio from 4-8. In keeping with his spirit this will be a barbeque and bourbon-inspired theme. All are welcome; the only request is that you come with a story to share and you don’t wear a suit. Please consider making a donation in his name to The Delaware County Humane Society or The Common Ground Free Store.