Mechanicsburg, OH — Richard “Rick” Alan Dingledine, 66, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
He was born on June 27, 1960, in Dayton, Ohio to Richard Elden and Patricia Rose (Ricketts) Dingledine.
Rick married Melissa (Myers) on Sept. 15th, 2001, and together they blended their lives and built a marriage rooted in laughter and love.
Rick graduated from Ohio Hi-Point JVS Machine Trades in 1978. He became a CNC machinist and worked alongside his brothers for more than three decades. Rick was mechanically gifted and rarely made mistakes. He took pride in teaching others, even showing the engineers a thing or two in his 36 years as a machinist.
Rick wasn’t known for his poise, and he was unapologetically himself, with a candid wit and a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. He would talk to anyone as long as they could keep up with him. Rick loved fishing, tending his chickens, and golfing; he was also a talented bowler and had an appreciation for old cars. He was incredibly handy, with a knack for building and fixing.
Rick had a lifelong passion for horses and harness racing. Later in his career, he worked alongside his sister, Kim, as a second trainer and integral part of the Dailey Stable. During his time as a driver, he earned more than $500,000 in purses while sitting behind 2,499 racehorses. One horse, Boom Dynamite, held a particularly special place in Rick’s heart. Rick credited Boom with saving his life in 2020 after he suffered a medical episode on the track. His love for the sport never faded, even after retirement, Rick never missed an opportunity to watch a race.
Rick is survived by his wife of 25 years, Melissa (Myers) Dingledine; daughter, Heather (Luke) Dingledine; sons, Ricky and Ryan Dingledine; stepsons, Michael and Travis (Vanessa) Pelfrey; father, Richard Dingledine; grandchildren, Landen, Kaylie, Madison, Ricky, Ryan, Hayden, Brooklynn, Lanie, Brianna, Elijah, and Winnie; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Mike (Kathi) and Randy (Amy) Dingledine; sisters, Kim (Kevin) Dailey and Vicki (Mike) Wallace; father-in-law, Rodney Myers; sister-in-law Jennifer (Jimmy) Sigmon; brother-in-law, Rodney (Chris) Myers; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend Ed (Cyndi) Laird.
Rick will be remembered for his unmistakable personality, his quick wit, and the memories he leaves behind with the people who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Patty Dingledine; his mother-in-law, Maureen Myers; and his brother-in-law, James “Bill” Dailey.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at the Michael’s Horticulture Building at the Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana, Ohio.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.