Richard "Rich" Mendick

Richard W. Mendick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by love, service, and accomplishment.

Born November 2, 1948, in New York City to Lorette Audette Mendick and Stanley Mendick, Rich moved with his family to California as an infant and was raised in the Los Angeles area. His life journey later took him to Denver, Colorado, Upstate New York, Ft Myers, Florida, and Goodyear, Arizona, where he built lasting friendships.

Richard honorably served in the United States Marine Corps.. He built a distinguished career in finance, beginning with Arthur Young & Co., CPA, and later with Times Mirror Corporation, where he worked for both the Los Angeles Times and the Denver Post.

Through dedication and integrity, he rose to serve as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the international products company PIP. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA), he held degrees from Mount San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, and the University of Denver.

He also served his community as an elected Albany County Legislator for three terms (12 years), reflecting his deep commitment to public service and civic responsibility.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Nancy; his children, Paul (Kimberly) Mendick and Melissa (Erik) Mendick; and his stepchildren, Julie (Kirk) Karins, William (Carolyna) Karins, and Andrew (Jennifer) Karins, whom he warmly embraced as his own. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherishing time spent with his family. He is also survived by his stepbrother, Roger (Matilda) Lambert, and dear, lifelong friends Harold and Caroline Cracraft. He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Francis Lambert.

Rich embraced life with energy and passion. He and Nancy spent 25 years teaching line dancing and DJing country dances. They were known as “Rockin Rich and Danci Nanci.” A lifelong musician, he learned the accordion as a child, played in a rock band, and later enjoyed playing his guitars. He was also a certified SCUBA diver. Rich and Nancy loved traveling to the Caribbean, Iceland, Mexico, the Amazon River, Europe and the Mediterranean. Rich found great joy in playing pickleball with his friends in PebbleCreek, Goodyear, Arizona.

He will be deeply missed by his family, dear friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, music, laughter, and service will live on in the many lives he touched.

A 2-3 pm: Visitation and at 3:pm Celebration of Life Service will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel.