Ever the stubborn optimist, Rick soon came to the realization after his initial diagnosis that he was the “luckiest man in the world” to get the chance to experience how loved he was by so many who had reached out to him. Few people ever get that opportunity, he said during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Jay Knapp, his best friend, particularly had been a blessing to Rick, helping with so many needs throughout his battle with the love and attention of a brother.
Rick said he was convinced this insurmountable health challenge could not be taken on by anyone who did not have his signature laid-back optimistic temperament. His library was full of books that preached hope, endurance and that implacable gift of the human spirit to overcome any challenge. Rick lived that belief, and to the very end, he maintained his cheerful demeanor and dry, witty sense of humor. When everyone thought he could no longer speak, his mother walked into his room asking what his father and brother were talking about all afternoon at his bedside. Rick quipped, “You.”
He was born on June 30, 1962, in Rochester, the son of Stephen M. and JoAnne (Gath) Kane. He was raised in Wellsville and graduated in 1981 from Wellsville High School. He continued his education at Alfred State College, St. Bonaventure University, and the University of Florida. Outside of his education, he began his career with Xerox in Boston, Massachusetts before moving back to his hometown to work for his family’s Wellsville Carpet Town, Inc. retail home furnishings business where he became a partner.
Beyond work, he was a long-time member of the Scio Lions Club, the Wellsville Country Club, (where he enjoyed playing golf) and Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was a proud parent volunteer at Immaculate Conception School for many years.
Rick is survived by the treasure of his heart, his daughter, Ella; his parents, JoAnne Kane Hutter of Wellsville, and Stephen M. (Jenny) Kane of Cuba; a brother, Thomas (Julie) Kane of Olean and their children Corey, Cameron and Delilah; a sister, Audra (Eric) Doering of East Aurora, and their children Stephen and Eloise.
Rick is reunited with his grandparents who predeceased him: Wayne and Georgia Kane and Ellis and Helen Gath, all of Wellsville.
A private graveside service for the family will be held Wednesday, November 29 at Sacred Heart Cemetery at 11am officiated by Rev. John Cullen of Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church in Cuba.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to CHAMP-1 Research Foundation benefitting Rick’s niece who suffers from a brain disorder https://champ1foundation.org/rick/ or the SPCA of Allegany County https://spcaallegany.org.
To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
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