Eric E. "Rick" Leek

January 7, 1947  -  August 14, 2025

A service celebrating the life of Eric “Rick” Leak, age 78, of Newark, will be held at 7 p.m.  on Wednesday, August 20, at The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service, with Pastor Wesley Higgins, officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the Licking County Veteran Alliance.

Rick passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Grant Medical Center. He was born January 7, 1947, in Newark, Ohio to the late Orville E. And Sylvia (Grable) Leek.

Rick graduated from Newark High School and enlisted in the army, serving in Vietnam. He was employed as a letter carrier for USPS for many years. After retiring from the post office, he worked at Giant Eagle.

He has survived by his son, Brian Donovan Leek; daughter, Erica (Brian) Hoffman; grandchildren, Christine and Aaron Hoffman and Jasiah HInton; sister, Sandy (Roger) Sturman; brother-in-law, Michael Donovan; nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Donovan Leek in 2002, his brother, Jeffrey Leek; sister, Janet Leek Crowley; brother-in-law, John Crowley; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Susie Donovan.

Family and friends may call from 5 - 7 p.m. at The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service, 59 N. Fifth Street, Newark.

In lieu flowers, memorial contributions could be made to the ALS United Ohio Organization, 1170 Old Henderson Road #221, Columbus, OH 43220 in memory of Rick's late wife Patricia Leek.