Richard Mathes
January 9 1953 - December 6 2023
Visitation :
John Quint Treboni Funeral Home
Monday December 18th 2023 4-6 pm
1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43212
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Obituary
Richard Jon Mathes of Columbus, Ohio passed away on Wednesday December 6, 2023, at the age 70. Rick was born January 9, 1953 in Cincinnati, Ohio to parents Elsie and John Mathes. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Mathes, father, John Mathes, and his first wife, Brenda Ross-Mathes. He is survived by his children, Benjamin Mathes, Peter Mathes; wife, Debbie Folpe; stepchildren, Emma (Roland Kasenurm) Haase and Alexander Haase; and brothers, Tim (Gigi) Mathes and Dave (Linda) Mathes. Rick graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1971. He received a BSN from The Ohio State University Nursing School. Rick worked at The Ohio State University Hospitals for over 30 years as a pediatric psychiatric nurse. During and following his time at the hospital, Rick volunteered at the Grandview Heights School System as a teaching aide, PTO, band, and drama department. Much to his sons' delight, he would also volunteer as often as he could for field trips. Following his retirement, he was a member of Tibetan Buddhist Columbus Shambhala community and volunteered at the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Debbie and Rick enjoyed traveling to see their kids in many foreign and far off destinations. They enjoyed cooking, listening to music and hosting friends and family. They also developed a shared passion for soccer and the Columbus Crew after many years of watching both of their sons play. Rick was a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. Rick had a deep passion for the arts. He was an avid collector of music. He enjoyed drawing and took art and architecture classes. Rick passed his talent in the arts to his son Peter and deep intellectual curiosity to his son, Ben. Rick found great peace and strength through meditation, volunteering, reading, and exercise. He will be remembered above all for his great sense of humor, passion for helping others, and love for his friends and family. Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held from 4-6 pm on Monday, December 18, 2023 at John Quint Treboni Funeral Home 1177 W 5th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (ohiospf.org/donate/).
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Richard Mathes
From : Greg and Sharla
To : All of you
Date: December 11th 2023
Sending every piece of our hearts to you all. You are so loved ❤️❤️❤️
From : Mike and Elizabeth
To : Debbie and kids
Date: December 12th 2023
We are sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and the kids during this difficult time.
From : Rick Bo Jon and Robert Faris
To : Debbie and Family
Date: December 12th 2023
We are all so heartbroken for all of you. Please be assured that everyone in the community loves you all and we are here for you. With our deepest condolences,
The Farises
From : Marti and Kurt von Boeselager
To : Debbie B
Date: December 12th 2023
How can we tell you how much we loved Rick? Immeasurably. Him, you , always.
From : The Rivers
To : Debbie and Family
Date: December 13th 2023
We are heartbroken for you all. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Much love- Robert, Jenn & Gianna
From : Emily Armitage
To : Debbie
Date: December 13th 2023
I think of you and the family everyday. My deepest condolences to you all~
From : Linda Gabel
To : Debbie
Date: December 13th 2023
I am heartbroken for you, and hope you are healing both physically and emotionally. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
From : Jackie Russell
To : Debbie and family
Date: December 13th 2023
Such a tragic loss. My sincerest condolence to all.
From : Melanie Luckenbach and family
To : Debbie and family
Date: December 13th 2023
We are heartbroken to say goodbye to such a devoted father, PTO volunteer, sports cheerleader & community presence. Peace to the family,
From : Joyce Sizemore
To : Ben and Peter
Date: December 14th 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked for your parents for many years. Ben was only about a year old and Peter was a gleam. Brenda’s passing was a great loss to everyone who knew her and a deep loss to me personally, as is Rick’s. They were both generous , kind, gentle, and loving people. The world is less than it was for the loss of both of them.
You are both and have always been in my thoughts and in my heart.
From : Jim Joan Mosel
To : Richard Mathes family Tim and Dave Mathes family
Date: December 14th 2023
Richard/Tim/Dave Mathes & families, For family members who may not know me I'am one of your many cousins! I have vivid memories of the 4 of us playing together as young boys on our visits to Cincinnati from Ft. Wayne. We would construct "pretend" submarines/airplanes/engines from simple construction blocks no computers or computer games just using our imagination. Your brother was great at this, better then me even though I was the oldest of the group. Condolences from all of us to you and your's. God Bless you and we will pray for all of you during your dealing with this loss. Jim/Joan Mosel
From : Owen McCormick and Jessica and Shawn Thomas
To : The Family
Date: December 15th 2023
Sending all of our love. We are so sorry for your loss.
From : Owen McCormick and Jessica and Shawn Thomas
To : Family
Date: December 15th 2023
Sending all of our love. We are so sorry for your loss.
From : Bob and Judy Culli
To : Mathes Family
Date: December 17th 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's death. We grieve with you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. constantly. It was good to be with you just over a year ago at Aunt Elsie's funeral. I was the flower girl at Aunt Elsie and Uncle John's wedding. Spent may summer vacations in Cincinnati being the older cousin or Mom to Rick, Tim, and Dave! Fun memories!
From : Hamiltons
To : Ben Peter and Debbie
Date: December 18th 2023
We are sending our deepest condolences to you. You are in our hearts and our thoughts are with you. Deeply sorry for your loss.
From : Susan Gladden
To : Debbie
Date: December 19th 2023
My heart aches for you. Sending my deepest condolences and healing energy.
From : Chris Johnson
To : Ben and Peter
Date: December 27th 2023
Thinking of you both. I worked with your Mom at Nationwide for 10 years, she purchased reinsurance for Nationwide and I worked in the reinsurance legal department. I met your Dad on several occasions and know they were both great parents, avid adventurers and eager to open the world up to their sons. Brenda spoke of you and your Dad often as we’d enjoy a coffee break during the work day. Both of your folks were very proud of you and obviously passed on a great deal of their thirst for education and learning, gifts that will remain with you each forever.
From : Liz Passero
To : Mathes Family
Date: January 6th 2024
I worked with Rick many years ago at OSU on one of the adult psychiatric units. He was a great guy and a wonderful nurse. My deepest sympathy to you. May you have many warm and loving memories to comfort you.
From : robert lovitt
To : richard mathes
Date: February 23rd 2024
Condolences to you you all. I didn't know Richard well at Walnut Hills, but had a great connection with him at our 50+ reunion. I am a member of the same Meditation community and will try to offer appropriate prayers!