Richard James “Rick” Rurak

Richard James “Rick” Rurak, born December 11, 1955, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2026, in Florida.

Rick grew up in Lawrence, Massachusetts, with his parents and five siblings, the second youngest in a lively household. From an early age, his boundless energy defined him—family still laughs about how his mother would tie him to the swing set because he simply couldn’t sit still, a trait that stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Rick attended Greater Lawrence Technical School, graduating in 1973 with a diploma in electronics. He later continued his education, earning an associate degree in computer science from Northern Essex Community College. In December 1974, he began his career as an Electronic Technician with Western Electric, a company that evolved over the years into AT&T and Lucent Technologies. In true Rick Rurak fashion, his drive and determination quickly propelled him through the ranks, eventually becoming Operations Manager, a role he held until his retirement in 2002.

Rick wasn’t good at sitting still—and retirement proved that. After he and his family sold their longtime home in Kingston, New Hampshire, they bought a townhouse in North Conway. Within two years, he was back at work as Maintenance Manager at Fox Ridge Resort, where he spent nearly five years before relocating to Florida. In May 2009, he joined Nestlé Professional as a Field Operations Supervisor, quickly rising to Regional Operations Manager and ultimately Senior Manager of Field Technical Services. He finally retired for good in July 2022.

At just 16 years old, Rick met the love of his life, Debra (Collins), beginning a true love story that spanned more than five decades. They met on Plum Island, where Debra worked in a local shop that Rick and his friends frequently visited. Their connection grew quickly—Debra would travel to Lawrence to watch Rick play football, and Rick would make every effort to get back to the island to see her. They married at Pita Hall on Plum Island in April 1974 and built a beautiful life together, grounded in love, loyalty, and partnership.

Together, Rick and Debra raised three daughters in Kingston, where they built a home and countless memories before relocating in 2002. Rick was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather whose life revolved around his family.

Rick continued creating lasting memories with his family throughout his life. He proudly established the “Rurak Family Camp” in Conway, New Hampshire—a place where time together was cherished and memories were made. He also made it a priority to bring everyone together to celebrate life’s milestones, planning family vacations that created unforgettable moments, most recently a Caribbean cruise in December to celebrate his 70th birthday. Simply put, the Rurak family did everything together.

Rick was the kind of person whose abilities seemed almost limitless—he could solve just about anything he set his mind to. He had a rare gift for showing up when others needed him most, whether that meant lending his skills, tracking down the impossible to find, or simply offering his time without hesitation. Restless in the best way, he was always in motion, always helping. His generosity wasn’t occasional—it was who he was, and it left a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Rick leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Debra; his daughters, Tracy Salierno and her husband, Dustin, of Deerfield, NH; Mandy Dodd and her husband, Troy, of Derry, NH; and Alison Keefe and her husband, Pete, of Deerfield, NH; and his grandsons, Ryan Daly, Tyler Bellwood, Connor Reardon, and Aiden Keefe. He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Leone and her husband, Joseph, Linda Despenser and her husband, Art, and his brother, Mike Rurak, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who admired and looked up to him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thaddeus and Isabel Rurak, and his brothers, Ted and Tom Rurak.

Rick touched countless lives with his generosity, kindness, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He will be deeply missed, but the impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten and will live on through all of us.

In keeping with Rick’s wishes, there will be no formal service, as he never wanted people to be saddened by his passing, but instead to celebrate his life. The family will hold a private gathering with close friends and family at a later date.