Richard “Rick” Lombardo passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Born on February 17, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska, Rick lived a life dedicated to education, scholarship, and family.
Rick pursued his academic journey with distinction, graduating from Creighton Preparatory School before earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Creighton University. His passion for teaching and learning led him to achieve a Ph.D. in Psychological and Cultural Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This dedication to education shaped his career as a respected faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he taught for the College of Journalism and the College of Education & Human Sciences, co-led the McNair Scholars Program, and served as the director of the Office of Postdoc Studies until he retired in 2017.
Beyond academia, Rick served in the Army, demonstrating his commitment to service. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to cultural studies left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Rick is survived by his spouse, Laurie Bellows; son Rick (Jen) and grandchildren Jamieson and Quincy. He is survived by siblings Tom (Marilyn); Phil (Michaela); Dan (Gina); Kris; Teri (Mike) Swartz; Gina; Dorothy (Steve) Starman; Denise (Ric) Volenec; and Lisa (Dewey) Edgar. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Anthony J. and Dorothy Lombardo; brothers Tony and Bill; and sister Anita Nelson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Roper & Sons South Chapel, located at 3950 Hohensee Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska. The service will begin at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bryan College of Health Sciences, the Department of Educational Psychology Graduate Fellowship Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, and/or the Heartland Cancer Foundation.
Rick’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as an educator, mentor, and family member. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew them.
Services
Memorial Service
10:30 am CST
Roper & Sons South Chapel
3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516
Share a Memory or Condolence
I was a senior and Rick a sophomore and now more than 50 years later I remember well Mr. Lombardo. I was recently informed of his passing and regret i did not attend his service. what a good guy!
– Sam Murante
Laurie, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of Richard. May you know peace.
– DebraFaye Jochum
I met Rick through Laurie & Mozzie. What I remember about him the most was his contagious laugh, and his love to ask questions about a new person that he met, to find out as much as he could about them. He fought a good fight and I am so happy I got to meet him. He will certainly be missed. Lots of love to Laurie & Mozzie as you navigate through this time. Blessings to you both, your neighbor and friend Kim.
– Kim
Rick was not just my Uncle, he was my Godfather, handpicked by my Mom and his Sister, Kris. He was the epitome of what an Uncle should be, surpassing the definition of what a Godfather represents. Usually that is a ceremonial title. I grew up with my Dad living in Colorado so I only saw him like twice a year. Uncle Rick’s Son, also named Rick who is just 5 months younger than me is the closest thing to a brother I will ever have. Both Rick Jr. and I are without siblings. We call each other BroCuz. More than cousins. Due to my Uncle Rick and my Mom purposely having us together more than cousins normally do. So our bond was very tight growing up at the Lombardo castle at 5201 Davenport St. In Dundee. My life was enriched with knowledge, music, and fun , but more importantly Love and life’s lessons. Like someone said earlier, Rick was about truth and knowledge. He was the Ultimate Renaissance Man. I still aspire to be like him and I am 56. You wanted to gravitate toward him if you were in the same room. He was so wicked intelligent, great storyteller, musician (guitar,piano, high school band called the Counts…pretty sure that was the name, very COOL) AND YES MY UNCLE WAS THE COOLEST MOFO OF ALL TIME. HE WAS MY PERSONAL FONZIE ( ARTHUR FONZARELLI fr/ Happy Days TV show) but he didn’t have to wear a leather jacket. He was simply COOL, by his excitement for other people. Let me say this. He and his sister, Anita, shared a passion for life and spreading love. And it came so easy to them. When either Rick or Anita saw you walk in the room and they would immediately scream your name with utter joy, which made you feel like a million dollars. You automatically felt special. And that was a gift both Rick and Anita had. They saw every person’s value and uniqueness and respected it with love and in turn taught others how to do the same. Probably the greatest lesson my Rick Lombardo ever taught. See people, really see them deeply for they will love you back for showing them how special they are. There is no one like my Uncle Rick. He is the DaVinci of our time. I am completely serious. He absorbed himself with culture and language and music and most importantly Love of Family and Friends and spread it constantly. Everyone wanted to be around him at the party or just a family get together. He was and still is magnetic. His Love and energy live in me always and it makes me laugh when I even do something similar to him. Like his simple gesture to say ” ah…yeah” ( his way of saying duh, but with a big pause in between….”ah…..yeah”, both hands on each side of his face like they were doing a karate chop and smiling with his magnificent smile, and slightly moving his head forward with his hair moving in unison with a light flair. Just COOL. I took my Mom to breakfast at LePeep a few days after Rick passed and Manager was exact twin of Aunt Anita, Rick’s younger sister. Some of Rick’s favorite songs were playing in restaurant. My Mom was shocked how much she looked like Anita’s doppelganger. I told my Mom it is Rick and Anita in heaven sending a sign that all is well and they are dancing and singing and spreading love to everyone like they did for us. So I choose to remember all the great times with Rick during holidays and just regular days. Lessons to be learned from the Ultimate teacher, my Uncle and Godfather, Rick Lombardo. And Rick loved to use the quote from Jeff Bridges character in the Big Lebowski movie, ” the Dude Abides” meaning he is at Peace and has accepted it. Long live Rick Lombardo. Simply the BEST !!!
– David Lombardo
I have known Rick since we were ten years old. His parents’ 12 kids joined my parents’ 8 kids for Easter Egg Hunts & Firework displays on the Fourth of July. We went to the same high school and for two years the same University. During those years we formed a bond that has lasted a lifetime. Whether doubled over in laughter, weeping about a powerful song or debating the meaning of life, he was an incredible gift for which I will always be grateful. With rare good judgment, I told Rick many times over the years how much I loved and appreciated his friendship and what a gift he was for me. I thank Laurie from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be there holding Rick’s hand when he left us. You get to find out first what’s next, Dear Friend. Safe journey through the Universe.
– Bill Reedy
I remember the first time I met Rick, I had just started my new job and was so scared & nervous. I had a vision of the Cancer center being a depressing place with so many uncertainties in patients lives…that was until Rick came walking into my lab. He had the biggest smile and joked around with me about how he was “kind of a celebrity around here” because of course his picture is posted on a big signs leading to infusion (he of course proudly pointed this out). From that day forward he was always “superstar” never Rick or Mr. Lombardo. You made such an impression on me and I always enjoyed our short talks, he always listened to my little rants and always asked “what new with Jae this week”. Joking about how they had to keep him “patched” up so I could see him next week. You were truly an angel on earth and I am so grateful and blessed I was able to meet you.
– Jae Bedford
Dr. Lombardo was my teacher back in 2011, when I was trying to become a high school teacher. We often forget what we’ve learned in class, but Dr. Lombardo has remained with me all these years. My father passed when I was taking his class, and he had the class sign a card for me. He gave me advice on some personal struggles and I’ll never forget his passion for truth and knowledge. He conducted his classes with community-building in mind.
– Timothy Turnquist
Laurie, I can’t begin to tell you how very sorry I am to hear of Rick’s passing. I didn’t know him, only met him a few times at Janey’s house, but he had an uncanny way to make you feel like you had known him forever! I’ve heard so much about him over the years from Janey, that I felt I knew him. He was a very special man who loved you fiercely and I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God grants you the peace and understanding that only he can provide. Much Love. Lisa Eichinger
– Lisa Eichinger
Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We send our sincere condolences. I pray that your memories will comfort you.
– Jill & Randy Flagel
I didn’t know Rick that well, but he raised an amazing son who married my eldest daughter, and they in turn are raising two wonderful children of their own. I appreciate the values that Rick has helped pass to future generations.
– Gilbert H Sydney DDS
I remembered Rick when I was a postdoc years ago and he organized multiple picnics for the postdocs and families, very humble guy, always smiled and talked to each one he met in the party. RIP, Rick, the good guy!
– Sumin
I was saddened to hear that Rick passed away. I had the opportunity to take a graduate course with him in my first year of graduate school and he had an amazing way of engaging students while taking complicated content and making it digestible. That said, it wasn’t just the content of the course, but he genuinely cared about the students he worked with. We often would run into each other across campus after having taken that class, and he would always have a smile on his face and want to know authentically how I was doing. My condolences to Laurie and all of Rick’s family. May he rest in peace.
– Tony Lazarowicz
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