Richard Anthony Nazelrod
August 21, 1953 – March 26, 2025
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of
Richard Anthony Nazelrod. He left this world on March 26, 2025 at the
age of 71. He was born on August 21, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland to
his parents Willard Nazelrod & Mary DeJuliis Nazelrod. Rick was an
amazing and loving husband of Deborah Ann Solesky. Devoted father
of Timothy Andrew Nazelrod, Amanda Marie Jeffries and Joseph Brock
Nazelrod. Loving grandfather of Adelynn Haylee Nazelrod, Clara Jayne
Nazelrod and Nora Ann Nazelrod. He is also survived by his beloved
brother and sisters: Eugene Nazelrod, Barbara Nazelrod, Paula
Nazelrod and Joanne Prinzhorn.
Rick had an infectious smile, a kind spirit and made everyone feel
included. He was the life of the party and had a magnetic energy. He
had a surprising love of sweets – Berger cookies, Krispy cremes and
Caramel creams. He once ate five boxes of Berger cookies in one
sitting. Rick loved country music, his Baltimore Birds and convinced he
thought Johnny Walker Scotch was a complete food group. He was
always there when you needed him, would always answer the phone,
and would listen if you needed advise. He would help anyone build
their deck, give you a ride to the airport or answer your latest injury
question. Rick was the true definition of supportive and dependable.
He was a great cook and made the best prime rib on Christmas night.
One Christmas, in his pursuit of achieving that “best prime rib”, his
enthusiasm resulted in the grill and house siding catching on fire. It was
still a great Prime Rib.
We jokingly called him “big Rick”, but he did in fact earn his title. He
was an unbelievable athlete and held many state records in sports. He
was an all-American catcher in baseball, played in the minor leagues on
Johnny Leones team and was scouted for the Kansas City Royals. He
once hit a hole in one on the golf course, would never complain when
he was in pain, was read his last rights three times in his life and even at
the end – his doctors called him a miracle child and superman.
Rick shared an unconditional love and devoted friendship with his wife,
Debbie. They built a beautiful life together and were lucky enough to
travel the world including living on a beautiful houseboat in Key West,
Florida at Garrison Bight Marina for several years where the most
amazing, lifetime friendships which will never be forgotten. Key West
was Rick’s most favorite place in the world with countless beautiful
memories.
Rick and Debbie continuously showed up for each other no matter
what, loved each other through thick and thin, and never missed a
chance to slow dance together. The love they shared was inspiring with
last New Year’s Eve celebrating 40 years of marriage.
While it might feel impossible now with holes in our hearts . . .
celebrate the spirit of Rick and honor his memory. Live a little like him
. . . enjoy scotch, never miss a chance to slow dance with the love of
your life and make memories with your family every chance you get.
Rick was a man who touched many lives with heart-felt memories
never to be forgotten.