Richard “Rich” Kent Profit, age 82, of Mansfield, passed away Monday, December 1, 2025, at Mt. Carmel – St. Anns, Columbus, Ohio. He was born January 16, 1943, in Pocahontas, Virginia, to the late Juanita V. (Neace) and Howard Profit.
Rich retired from Ideal Electric after 42 years. He was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ and was a Mason in Venus Lodge 152. A proud veteran of the US Army, he served in Vietnam.
He was an avid Sherlock Holmes fan with a deep appreciation for classic storytelling and old-time radio programs. A lover of simple joys, he could often be found scratching lottery tickets—an enthusiasm that once led him to appear on the television show Cash Explosion. He also cherished quiet time spent watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke, which remained a lifelong favorite. Among his most treasured memories were the trips he took with his wife to Mystic, Connecticut, a place they both loved to explore together. Yet above all his hobbies and adventures, nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his grandchildren, whose presence filled his life with joy and pride.
Rich is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene; daughters, Amy (Jon) Armstrong and Alisha Reading; two grandchildren, Jacob Reading and Jackson Reading; brother Bill (Diane) Profit; two nieces Lori King and Cathy Haynes; brother-in-law Rex Gentry; nephew Shane (Jennifer) Hunt; great-niece, Evelise Hunt; and great-nephew Tristan Hunt.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Everett Profit; in-laws, Eva and Gordon Gentry; and sister-in-law Lori Gentry.
The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A Masonic service will follow at 4:00 PM. An hour of visitation will be held Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:00 am at the funeral home, with the service to follow at 11:00 am. Rich will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Akron Children’s Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308.
