Richard Louis Komar

Richard "Rick" Louis Komar, 71, of Tucson, Arizona, surrendered his life to God on June 15th, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease and Amyloidosis. Rick was the firstborn child, born on July 17th, 1953, and only son of Louis Joseph and Teresa Mary Komar. He spent his childhood in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, with his "Little Sis," Anne, and "Baby Sis," Veronica.

Rick was involved in athletics at an early age and became a stellar wrestler and football player at St. Viator High School, qualifying for the Illinois State Wrestling Championships his junior year. His athletic prowess led to a wrestling scholarship at Notre Dame University, where in his freshman year, Rick and one other student were the only two freshman invited to wrestle varsity. He went on to graduate from Arizona State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in Exercise Science and held many other health and wellness certifications. He worked in the wellness/fitness industry in many different capacities: designing and managing programs for fitness and insurance companies, regional manager for a horseback riding equipment company, and teaching at the university level at San Diego and Appalachian State. His last position was as Adjunct Professor with Arizona Western College. Rick was a volunteer firefighter in two states and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rick's love of nature and the outdoors was only eclipsed by his love of his "Girls," as he called his mother and two sisters. He often challenged others to be the best versions of their (fitness) selves and had the innate ability to know just how much to push them to meet, and often, exceed their goals. He was a champion racquetball player, tireless mountain biker, rock climber, horseback rider, and kayaker. During summers off from teaching, Rick could be found camping, hiking, and fly fishing from his small trailer in the mountains of Idaho, his favorite place on this earth.

Rick lived life to the fullest; inspiring friends to push their boundaries and chase their dreams. He will be greatly missed by his beloved family and friends who shared his love of adventure and life. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Anne (Ron) Brandys (of St. Charles, IL) and Veronica Komar (of Titusville, FL), two children, two grandchildren, and dear friends including Elena Guadian (of Tucson, AZ) and Brother Knights, John Goodman (of Sierra Vista, AZ) and Chuck Muscato (of Huachuca City, AZ).

The funeral Mass will be held July 17th, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church (800 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635). The Mass will be preceded at 10:00am with a Rosary prayer.

In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass said for Rick. You may also make a donation in memory of Rick to the Knights of Columbus Council #4584 (156 West Kayetan, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-1042). Honor Rick's spirit by spending as much time with your loved ones enjoying God's wondrous outside world.