Richard C. “Rich” Brienza
Richard C. “Rich” Brienza, age 69 of Caldwell, died Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Ohio Health Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He was born March 31, 1956 in Wheeling, West Virginia, son of the late Michael A. and Margaret J. Frew Brienza. Rich was a 1974 graduate of Caldwell High School and owned and operated Mike’s Tire Shop in Caldwell for more than forty years. He earned a reputation as a skilled motorcycle technician, with people from all over the Mid-Ohio Valley traveling to Caldwell for Rich to help with their bikes. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and The Porsche Club of America. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, an avid golfer, and an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus Bowling Team. Rich will be remembered as a fun loving man who never met a stranger and loved socializing with his friends. He always had a story to fit the occasion. He was community oriented and always supportive of Noble County businesses and activities at Caldwell and Noble Local Schools. Rich was one of the anchors on the square and will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his extended family, Carlos Ramage, Susan Ramage Heavener and Jim Cox.
Surviving are his beloved life companion, Samantha K. Ramage of Caldwell; one brother, Mark S. (Brenda) Brienza of Columbus; two sisters, Anne Brienza of Bellefontaine and Julia L. (Martha Bridgers) Brienza of Falmouth, Massachusetts; several nieces and nephews; extended family, Mary Ramage, Ed (Jan) Ramage, John Ramage, Bob Ramage, Philomena Cox, James Ramage, Gerard “Burt” (Penny) Ramage, David Ramage (Brenda), Tom (Amber) Ramage, Earl Ramage (Carla), Genny (Tim) Hall, Anne (Roger) Crum, Joe Ramage (Molly), and his loving cats: Sparky, Russell, and Pumpkin.
Friends may call Monday, November 10, 2025, from 2 to 8 PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street in Caldwell. The funeral will be observed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Ken Perkins officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 24, Caldwell, Ohio 43724 or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com.