Edward "Rick" Florancic

Edward “Rick” Florancic was born in Chicago to Edward and Helen, Rick grew up watching his father—himself a WWII veteran, wounded in combat—move through life with a limp and a quiet strength. Like so many from that generation, his father rarely spoke of the war. Years later, Rick followed a similar path of service, joining the Air Force and serving during the Vietnam War—a job that came with its own risks and some truly harrowing memories. But Rick’s story is so much more than his service. At one point, he had a real shot at the big leagues, practicing with the Chicago Cubs on their practice squad. He also considered becoming a priest and spent several years as a working musician in a Beatles-style band called The Shandells. They played all over Chicago, even winning the Battle of the Bands against groups like The Pulsations and The Buckinghams. Rick also made his mark in the business world. He held leadership roles at companies like Xerox, where he streamlined operations, recruited top talent, and saved the company over $55 million through smarter processes and better customer service. He also served as Regional Manager for Kodak in Phoenix, covering seven states, always finding ways to deliver better service. He even brought his skills to Albertsons Food Corp, showing he could improve just about anything he touched. But if you ask Rick, his greatest adventure—and his greatest source of pride—was marrying Healy. Together, they blended their families, bringing seven children under one roof: five little ones all under seven, and two older kids. Suddenly, the house was full of laughter, chaos, and constant motion. Instead of overwhelming them, it made them stronger. Rick and Healy built a home where everyone belonged, and their partnership became the steady center of a big, busy family. Healy’s warmth and wisdom were a perfect match for Rick’s drive and creativity. She shared his love for music and always encouraged the kids to pursue their passions. Through all the moves, job changes, and life’s ups and downs, Rick and Healy’s bond only deepened—a true partnership, tested and proven by time. When illness eventually caught up with Rick, he entered hospice care. Healy remained by his side, her steady presence a comfort and a reminder of all they’d built together. That’s when Chaplain Rustad arrived. And instead of seeing only a “hospice patient,” he saw the man who’d dreamed of playing baseball, once played in a band, dreamed of priesthood, helped companies thrive, and built a loving, blended family with Healy. On that first visit, Chaplain Rustad noticed Rick’s guitar in the corner. Turns out, music is something they share—Roger also plays the guitar. Rick also plays the harmonica and sings. He picked up Rick’s guitar and played a few tunes, filling the room with melody and memories. For a while, it felt less like a hospice visit and more like two musicians sharing stories through music—a moment that brought comfort not just to Rick, but to Healy as well. That love of music runs deep in Rick’s family. His 20-year-old grandson, Landon, is one of Chicago’s top Elvis impersonators—he credits his grandpa for his talent. Landon is a natural on guitar, drums, trumpet, and piano, and of course, he sings. On his recent visit, Landon visited Rick’s senior living community to perform, lighting up the faces of residents with classic songs and a little rock-and-roll swagger, a tradition that brings the family together and keeps Healy’s heart full. For veterans like Rick, Chaplain Rustad also helps arrange military honors: flags, headstones, rifle salutes, and Taps. He creates replica and custom dog tags for those who want to leave a lasting legacy for their children. If families need help with funeral arrangements, he shields them from the sales pitch and confusion. He’s there for the tough conversations, but also for the little moments of joy—sometimes using virtual reality to let patients revisit a memory or see a place they’ve always dreamed of. It’s easy to forget, in the rush of care routines and medical charts, that everyone in hospice was once young, ambitious, and vibrant. They still have wisdom to share, stories to tell, and sometimes, music left to play. If you have a loved one in hospice or a care facility, take a page from Chaplain Rustad’s book: ask about their story. Listen. You might learn something that shifts your whole perspective. Because every patient is more than their illness. They’re a library, a song, a legacy—and they deserve to be seen that way, right up to the very end. Rick is survived by his wife of 35 years Healy, his 4 children and 3 step kids, 10 grandkids and a great-grandson. Celebration of Life Services will be at the CareFree Church 5025 E. Carefree Highway Cave Creek, AZ 85331 October 11, 2025 @ 3PM.

Edward "Rick" Florancic

April 7, 1947 - September 9, 2025

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Edward "Rick" Florancic

April 7, 1947 - September 9, 2025

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Our Services

About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support