Richard Todd Lane

Richard Todd Lane, 87, of Bath Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, after a long illness.

Born on May 13, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, Todd was the son of Ollire Henders Lane and Albert B. Lane. He grew up in Akron alongside his brother, Bruce, and from an early age was an avid reader with a vivid imagination, once dreaming of becoming a cowboy or a jockey. He attended King Elementary School and graduated from Buchtel High School, forming friendships and interests that would shape a lifelong love of learning and storytelling.

Todd pursued his academic passions with distinction, earning a B.A. from Kent State University in 1961, an M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1968, and a Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1975. His scholarly work included a published article in The Economic History Review in 1976 titled “Inflation and Philanthropy in England.”

His professional life reflected both intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Todd worked as a Systems Analyst at the University of Michigan, a Systems Consultant with the Akron Area Health Education Network, and a Teaching Fellow at Kent State University. He later served as an Assistant Professor at Walsh University. Eventually, he returned to his roots, taking over his father’s residential pest control business, Lane and Son, and expanding it into commercial healthcare and public sector services through EPCON Lane Environmental Pest Control, a company that continues today under the leadership of his daughter, her husband, and his granddaughters.

On October 27, 1990, Todd married Nina D’Amico at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio, beginning a partnership marked by love, family, and shared experiences.

Todd lived a full and vibrant life enriched by his many passions. He was deeply involved with the West Country Beagles and the Harvey Firestone Fox Hunt Club in Bath Township, where he served as a whippers-in and competed in cross-country horse races and hunter-jumper competitions, earning numerous awards. He found joy in hiking, biking, and riding through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and he was rarely without a book in hand. A devoted historian, he had a particular fascination with the Civil War and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge that made him a formidable—and entertaining—opponent in trivia.

Known for his quick wit and playful banter, Todd brought laughter and thoughtful conversation wherever he went. He was a passionate civil rights advocate, having participated in the March on Selma, and remained engaged in Summit County government throughout his life. He also had a remarkable affinity for animals, especially dogs, many of which became beloved and long-lived members of the family.

Todd proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958.

Above all, Todd cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Nina D’Amico Lane; his daughters, Leslie Wyman (Patrick Wyman) and Stacey Reimer; his stepdaughters, Jessie-Lee Coffey (Sean Coffey), Lisa Kinzelberg (John Kinzelberg), and Diana Perkins; his grandchildren, Kacey Wyman, Robyn Meismer (Rob Meismer), Camilla Reimer, AJ Reimer, and Carrie Wyman; and his step-grandchildren, James Coffey, Eli Kinzelberg, and Olivia Kinzelberg. He is also survived by his nephews, Victor Lane (Kathy Lane) and Todd Lane (Andrea Lane); his longtime friend, Tim Davis; and many other dear friends in the Akron area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollire and Albert Lane, and his brother, Bruce Lane.

Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Billow’s Funeral Home & Crematory – Fairlawn Chapel and Cremation Center, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio with Reverend Susan Tiffany officiating.

A private committal service with military honors will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park.

Flowers are welcome, and for those who wish, memorial contributions may also be made to Victory Gallop (1745 N. Hametown Road, Akron, Ohio) or One-of-a-Kind Pet Rescue (1929 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the pulmonology and nursing staff at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, and for the exceptional, compassionate care provided by the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.