At age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long illness. A lifelong resident of Amherst, NY, Rick was born to Reinhardt and Catherine Belke on August 1, 1953. He graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1971, where, years later, both of his daughters would also graduate.
Rick shared 45 years of marriage with his wife, Marcia. Together, they worked hard to build a comfortable and happy life for their family. During Rick’s illness, Marcia, a nurse, lovingly cared for him at home, allowing him to remain in the place he loved, surrounded by the people he loved.
Service was at the heart of Rick’s life. Eggertsville Hose Company was his second home. He joined the fire service as a “torch boy” and went on to dedicate 56 years to the company, serving in numerous leadership roles. One of his daughters’ favorite memories was his time as a fire truck driver trainer, when the neighborhood regularly came alive with fire trucks passing their house.
Rick also served for 30 years as a dispatcher with the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office. Through more than five decades of public service, he cared deeply about the safety of his neighbors and the community he called home. In retirement, Rick enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and restoring antiques, particularly fire service memorabilia. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the committee that restored Eggertsville’s 1937 Mack Pumper. As the company’s primary driver of the restored truck, Rick took great pride in driving it in community parades and events.
Above all, Rick loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marcia; his daughters, Stephanie (Shane) Belke Ryan and Ashley (Scott) Kate Maginn; his sister, Susan (Gerald) Flinchum; and his beloved granddaughters, Quinn Avery Ryan and Margaret June Maginn.
Family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, October 6, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to Eggertsville Hose Company.
