GIRARD - Paul J. Rickard Jr., 55, passed away early Friday morning, April 29, 2016, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, following a courageous three-year battle with prostate cancer.

Paul was born July 8, 1960, in Youngstown, a son of Dolores Morfchak Rickard and Paul James Rickard Sr., and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1978 graduate of Girard High School.

Mr. Rickard worked at numerous jobs, including Pep Boys, and he most recently was employed part-time at Target.

Paul was a member of the Copper Penny Masonic Lodge, No. 778, in Vienna.

An outgoing guy who never let cancer get the best of him, Paul loved meeting and making new friends, and was always cracking jokes. He was an inspiration to many people and inspired others to live each day to the fullest and never give up hope.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Dolores Rickard of Southington; his father, Paul (Janet) Rickard of Girard; two sisters, Christine (William) Stover of Tampa, Fla. and Pamela (David) Rosace of Austintown; a brother, Mike Rickard of Niles; a nephew and godson, Michael Rosace of Austintown; a nephew, Michael Rickard; a niece, Mary Jo Rickard; and his little furry canine friend, Milla, which he spoiled with many toys and doggy treats.

Paul will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, at Kinnick Funeral Home, McClurkin Memorial Chapel, 222 S. State St., Girard, where a Masonic service will follow at 7 p.m.

Mr. Rickard's family would like to thank the Hope Cancer Center doctors and staff; the radiology/oncology doctors and staff; his family doctor and staff; and the staff at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, for the kindness shown and loving care provided to Paul over the last three years. His family would also like to thank special friend, "The Deb," who was always just a phone call away and always helped in any way she could, and thanks to his friends from Target and Pep Boys for all the support they gave to Paul throughout his illness.