Richard D. "Rick" Pinyerd

Rick Pinyerd, 78, of Carmel, passed away on January 13, 2025, at IU North Hospital after a year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer. Rick was born on July 10, 1946 in Galion, Ohio to Dale and Donna Pinyerd. He was a dedicated father, husband, grandfather, uncle, and cherished friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rick will be deeply missed.

Growing up in rural Ohio, Rick enjoyed 4H, playing basketball, pool, baseball, ping pong sledding, bowling and going to visit his Grandparents on the farm. At Mt. Gilead High School, Rick ran track, participated in the HI-Y Charity YMCA club and the National Thespian Society. After graduating from Mt. Gilead in 1964, Rick and his brother Sid enlisted in the Air National Guard, serving from November 1966 until November 1972 and during that time spending 11 months on active duty in South Korea. He received his Bachelors in Engineering from Tri-State University.

Rick was extremely proud of his three sons and always supported them with encouragement and positivity. He was a wonderful father, coaching them in basketball, attending golf tournaments, and serving as a role model as they formed their own families.

Rick had a 31 year career with Verizon, earning recognition for his outstanding achievements, including multiple accolades and the Presidential Leadership award, as testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Work colleagues turned friends remember him as a person who worked hard, and was always fair and did the right thing. After retiring from Verizon in 2004, he embarked on a second career as a real estate broker with his wife, Valerie. Together they helped many clients buy and sell their homes, always approaching each transaction with warmth, positivity, and a genuine desire to help others.

In his retirement Rick enjoyed playing golf, poker, pool, euchre and darts. He had a competitive spirit and seemed to win almost everything he played. He especially enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and fiercely supporting them in all of their extracurriculars and sports. Anyone who had the pleasure of being in Rick’s company benefited from his sense of humor and quick witted zingers.

Rick is survived by his wife of 22 years, Valerie Plane; his three sons Michael (April), David (Kateryna), James (Jessica); his eight grandchildren Luci, Ryan, Quinn, Harper, Cole, Evan, Elise and Louisa; brother Sid (Cathy), brother Jeff (Becky), sister Jacque Long (Matthew). He was loved by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Halle Grace Pinyerd.

Visitation will be held on January 25, 2025, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., followed by a service and luncheon at Leppert Mortuary, 740 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Donations may be made in Rick's memory to the American Cancer Society. A family graveside service will be held at a later date.