Eric “Rick” George Biely passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Rick was born in Monrovia, California, on July 12, 1951 to Eugene Biely and Barbara Gloeckner. At age 11, he and his twin brother Michael moved to Santa Maria to live with their father and stepmother Alleta.
He attended local schools and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1969.
Shortly after high school, Rick married his high school sweetheart Connie. They moved to Hawaii, where Rick worked for his father’s company Reef Development of Hawaii. During this time, they welcomed their daughter Erica.
Later, Rick and his family moved to West Yellowstone, Montana, where he helped his father remodel and manage the Ranch Hotel and Restaurant before returning to Santa Maria, where he became a licensed contractor and built homes and businesses on the Central Coast and in Hawaii.
He later served as a project manager for Maryl Pacific, Inland Pacific Builders, and Halsell Builders, known for his leadership and craftsmanship.
In 2001, Rick met Vera, the love of his life, and he was the man of her dreams. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family. They married in 2004 and made their home in Santa Maria, hosting gatherings and traveling extensively.
They explored the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, creating cherished memories with family and friends. Though their time together was not as long as they had hoped, it was filled with an abundance of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Rick had a larger-than-life presence, known for his hardworking nature and adventurous spirit. Whether hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, windsurfing, boogie boarding or golfing, he embraced life with passion and purpose.
His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the memories he created, and most of all, in his grandchildren, who carry forward his love for adventure, strong work ethic, and zest for life.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Biely and Barbara Gloeckner; stepmother Alleta Biely; and stepsiblings Randall Banta and Lynda Nelson.
He is survived by his wife Vera Biely; daughter, Erica Biely (Christopher Zavala); stepdaughters, Stephanie Ranis and Melanie Ranis (Vincent Garcia); siblings, Kenneth Biely (Lynn), Michael Biely (Yvonne), and Rebecca Cushway; 11 grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Papa Rick”; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28 at Pacific Christian Church, with a reception immediately following at Palmer Hall.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Central Coast Home Health – Hospice Care, Nurse Ryan, and all the dedicated support staff who provided exceptional care and comfort during Rick’s final days.
A very special thank you to April Huckabey, founder of Neurofighters Inc., whose unwavering support and dedication helped keep Rick moving through his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to Neurofighters Inc., PO Box 2100, Orcutt, CA 93457, to support those battling Parkinson’s disease.
Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.