Richard (Rick) Walko, 59, of Dayton Ohio passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2023 at Miami Valley Hospital.
Rick was born on October 28, 1963 to George Robert and Ruth (Michelke) Walko in Landstuhl, Germany. He graduated from Fairborn Baker High School in 1981. Following in his father's footsteps, Rick enlisted in the Army in 1985 where he served as a tank mechanic in the First Armored Brigade in Germany.
After his service in the military, he spent time on the road driving a semi-truck, highlighted by his time driving for the Honda Motorcycle Racing Team. In 1996, Rick joined the Dayton Ohio Fire Department as an EMT/Firefighter.
In 1998 Rick married Jill Lacy Walko in Key West, Florida. They went on to have three daughters, Madison, Bailey, and Sydney in their 18-year marriage.
After retiring from the Fire Department in 2019, Rick, a true outdoorsman, spent his time golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, gardening and even traveled a bit. He was also an amazing cook in the kitchen. We always said he should open his own restaurant.
To everyone who knew him well, knew that his girls were his world and he made sure he was involved in all they did from coaching them in soccer, to teaching them to garden, to shooting a bow, and how to cook for an army, because he never cooked a small portion meal. Family and traditions were always important to him as well.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents George Robert and Ruth (Michelke) Walko.
Rick is survived by his twin brother Robert (Amy), his brother Ronald (Mary), and his sister Rachael Carter (Justin), his daughters Madison, Bailey, and Sydney as well as his nieces, Jaylen, Jillian, Madelyn, and Evelyn Carter.
A celebration of life will be held by Rick's family on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at the
Dayton Firefighters Activities Center
3616 Needmore Rd
Dayton Ohio 45424