Richard A. Marsico P.E., P.S., 80 YOUNGSTOWN - Richard A. Marsico P.E., P.S., 80, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday morning, June 6, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center. Richard was born Oct. 5, 1934, in Youngstown to parents Anthony and Mary (Conti) Marsico. Richard was proud of the fact that he was raised on the South Side of Youngstown and treasured those memories, often riding past his boyhood home on Euclid Boulevard. Richard attended Woodrow Wilson High School, playing on the football team, both offense and defense. He graduated with the class of 1953. This past month, on May 24, Richard was honored to be inducted into the Woodrow Wilson Hall of Fame 2015. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Shirlee Eckerle, on June 19, 1954. Shirlee passed away in 2005. Richard attended The Ohio State University and completed his education at Youngstown State University, class of 1958, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Later, he became a Professional Engineer and a Professional Surveyor. In 1958, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, attending Artillery Officer Training School, working as Assistant Supply Officer, Battalion Level. He continued actively in the Reserves, attending various schools, obtaining the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in 1969. Richard worked as Design Engineer and Manager of Field Operations for Engelhardt & Associates from 1960 to 1968, where his knowledge, skills and reputation became known in the field of Engineering. He worked as Engineer-In-Training for the State of Ohio, Department of Highways. In July of 1968, Richard formed his own firm, Richard A. Marsico & Associates, Consulting Engineers and Surveyors. Bringing on board the brightest and most talented, his firm grew, doing business primarily in Northeast Ohio, and becoming known for their Housing and Commercial Development, while also performing construction layouts of major Interstate Highways. Marsico & Associates were also involved with the expansions of General Motors and Packard Electric Plants. Richard also served as part-time City Engineer and Chief Building Official for the City of Campbell and City Engineer and Chief Building Inspector for the Villages of Poland, Lowellville and McDonald, and as consultant for the City of Canfield. In 1992, after 24 years in business, Richard sold his firm. Richard served as Deputy Director of Public Works, City Engineer, Chief Building Official and Plan Examiner for the City of Youngstown from 1984 to 1997, overseeing design and construction of all city projects. One, an outstanding $65,000,000 upgrade and expansion of the Youngstown Waste Water Treatment Plant; Street improvements, which included the massive widening and redesigning of East and West Federal Streets; numerous drainage and bridge improvements, which included the shining example of the Fifth Avenue Concrete Arch Bridge over Crandall Park; and the Youngstown Airport improvements, which included runways, taxi ways, aprons and hangers; and, as the Building Official, he approved plans making the Mahoning County Jail with the first ever vacuum sewer system in the State of Ohio and WRTA the first Rapid Natural Gas Fueling Station in Ohio. In 1997, Richard was elected to the first of his four terms in office as the Mahoning County Engineer. Overseeing the design and construction of county roads, bridges and safety projects, rehabilitating over 80% of all 485 miles of roads, they were widened, reconstructed or paved. A major undertaking, the rehabilitation of the Spring Common Bridge project, then dedicated as "The Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bridge", was the recipient of five state, federal, local and historical awards. A highlight of some past and present professional organizations/positions include President of the County Engineers Association of Ohio, the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, State Director of the American Public Works Association, Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Ohio Public Works Commission District Six Integrating Committee, where he served as Vice Chairman and Chairman, The Knights of Columbus, Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio, State of Ohio Certified Building Official and Plans Examiner, Water Pollution Control Federation, Public Works Historical Society, and Eastgate Regional Council of Government General Policy, where he served as Board Chairman. Among his special awards, Richard received Mahoning County Township Association's "Excellence in Service" Award, a listing in Who's Who in Government, HBA recognition and dedication for services, Knights of Columbus Honorary Knight of the Year, Asphalt Paving Quality Award, A Key to the City of Youngstown, the Market Street Merchant Award for "Exceptional Support", the Youngstown Fire Department recognition for "Dedicated Service", VFW Veteran of the Year, Best Bridge Rehabilitation for "Yellow Creek". While the awards meant a great deal to Richard, what meant most to him was a job well-done. He always meant what he said, and for those who knew him on a personal or professional level, they would agree, he was an Engineer, not a Politician. He was quiet, yet so knowledgeable. He found the good in people, always trying to understand both sides. He took his responsibilities very seriously, countless nights driving around to check the roads. He cared, he always cared. On July 27, 2007, Richard found love again and he married Patricia (DePizzo-Como). They loved just being together, a bond that only Dick's passing could stop. Survivors include wife Patricia; sons Martin E. (Hope) Marsico of Florida and David A (Jacqueline M.) Marsico of Poland; daughter-in-law Nita Marsico; stepchildren who always called Dick "Pops", Michelle (Mike Brooks) Moretti and Bryan (Claudia) Como of Arizona; grandchildren Richard (Wendy) Marsico, Lindsey Marsico, Anthony Marsico, Emily Marsico, and Megan Marsico; and great-granddaughter Mia Marsico. Grandchildren from wife Pat include Jonathan Como, Breanna Jones, Ryan Jones, Bella Como; brother Dr. Robert (Atty. Cheryl Hollis) Marsico of Akron; and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard also leaves his most-loved and trusted friend and "project" partner, Rich Popio. Besides his parents and first wife, Shirlee, he was also preceded in death by his son, Richard Philip Marsico. The Marsico family would like memorial tributes made to the Richard A. Marsico Scholarship, c/o Youngstown State University, 606 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502. A prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Thursday, at St. Dominic Church, celebrated by Rev. Gregory Maturi O.P. for Richard A. Marsico, P.E., P.S. Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home and on Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.