Richard David Pearson- 89, passed away peacefully at his home on May 3rd after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
Rick was born in Akron, Ohio to parents George and Marie Pearson and was the second oldest of four sons. He attended Bath High School where he was a stand out athlete playing three sports. After graduating from Ohio State University, he served in the US army Nike/Hercules Missile Division in Fort Bliss, TX and married the love of his life, Mary Ann. From TX he was transferred to Fort Knox, KY where he completed his assignment.
His first job was with General Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, OH where he was a territory salesman and at that time saw the need for a complete tire service truck. After leaving General Tire he worked for Hesse Carriage Company in Kansas City, KS and was then moved to New Jersey to manage their east coast plant. The Tire service industry kept calling him and in 1965 with $300.00, two small kids and Mary Ann started Fleet Equipment Corporation, from their home. As the company grew a manufacturing plant was built in Pennsylvania. Rick was an innovator and pioneer in the tire service truck industry and earned the respect of his customers and venders who quickly became his friends. As he became successful, one of his greatest joys was mentoring people who were striking out on their own.
His business associates often became partners in other endeavors, like a cattle ranch in Wyoming, Oil & Gas field exploration in Colorado and car dealerships in Long Island. He loved being involved in many businesses. He was curious about everything and everyone and enjoyed learning and teaching. If you asked him what time it was, he would often teach you how to build a watch. Rick was an avid sports fan and a lover of dogs, particularly his black labs. Rick supported Mary Ann’s charity involvement with children’s charities and was in wonder at the work she did. He enjoyed deep sea fishing but his greatest joy was his family.
He leaves his devoted wife and business partner of 65 years, daughter, Pam and son, Scott. Margaret his daughter-in-law and grandsons, Charlie and Henry. He is pre-deceased by his granddaughter, Molly.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Church, 55 George Street, Allendale, NJ on Friday, May 12th at 6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Rick Pearson’s name to support his friend, Dr. Abou-Alfa and his work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Checks to be made payable to: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and mailed to MSK Cancer Center, Office of Development, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087 and mark in the memo line: “This gift is in memory of Rick Pearson”.