Ricci D. Swihart, 53, of Gilead, passed unexpectedly at 12:24 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2015, at the Woodlawn Hospital Emergency Room.

He was born in Wabash on Dec. 23, 1961, to Jack E. and C. Anne (Rhodes) Swihart. On Oct. 5, 1995, he married Patti Nette in Gilead. She survives. He worked at Gulf Stream Coach, Nappanee, Monaco RV, Elkhart, and O and R Builders, Akron. He was a 1980 graduate of North Miami High School. Ricci was in the U.S. Navy and served his country for six years. He enjoyed camping, watching races, tractor pulls, and fishing.

Ricci is survived by wife: Patti Swihart, Gilead; son: Kevin (Amber) Swihart, Monticello; father: Jack Swihart, Gilead; granddaughter: Chamberlain Swihart, Monticello; sister: Kim (Dave) Yoder, Mexico; brothers: Stuart (Cindy) Swihart, Goshen; Brett (Julie) Swihart, Bourbon; special cousin and best friend: Bub Cormican, Athens. He was preceded in death by his mother: C. Anne Swihart, in 2009; and brother: Kelby Swihart, in 1997.

Visitation hours will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, also at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Jason See. Burial will be in Gilead Cemetery, where graveside military rites will be performed.

Memorial contributions can be made to Miami County Animal Shelter, Peru.