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Sawyer Nickel
I had the pleasure of being Rich’s pickleball teacher/coach for a summer at Lake Naomi Club. Rich was always a joy to have around. I come from a very competitive background, so having Rich be so competitive and wanting to better himself brought me so much joy. He tried a tennis lesson with me as well, and his determination was so impressive to me. What I loved most about Rich that in the heat of his competitiveness, he had so much respect for others no matter the outcome of his games. Even when he made mistakes, he was able to have a smile on his face. I will feel Rich’s absence, as he was such a great member of our community. My heart goes out to Ellen.
Paul Woolner
I first met Rich when he was a 23-year-old College Pro franchisee and we spent the day together. While having a far-ranging conversation, we drove his territory to meet his crews for a study to understand what was important to them in their job. Why - to improve the painting experience for his customers through them. Rich was energetic, curious, full of pride in his people and the success of the team and his business. These wonderful qualities Rich strengthened and carried through all his career and rise to be a leader with great responsibility affecting thousands of people’s lives. When sharing a breakfast at the Union League with my wife and Rich and Ellen I got to see the deep, true love and kind respect between the two of them. And when his boys were young and tumbling about, full of fun and energy at a CertaPro conference I saw the pride and love Rich had for his family. Rich was a family man, an exceptional and steadfast leader and friend. I feel blessed to have known and worked and learned with and from him.
Tonya Kincaid
My heartfelt deepest condolences to Ellen, Luke, Mark and Sean and the entire Wilson family. Rich was a great leader that poured into everyone he came in contact with. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work under his leadership. We will continue to honor your legacy, morals and values by adhering to our serving basics. To be absent in the body to be present with the Lord. May Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn HIS face toward you and give you peace. Respectfully, Tonya shine his countenance upon your family and
Mike Stone
Rich and I shared a passion for winning and sport. I was fortunate to compete with him and against him for many years on the bball court, the pickle ball court, and many others. His fierce competitiveness and passion to win was always a join to partake in with him and most importantly against him. Winning is hard and when you did against Rich, you earned it. A great lesson he taught us about life… winning is hard, but when you do it’s oh so satisfying. Thank you for your friendship, mentorship, and trust you instilled in me… results matter!
Chip Chimera
Brian Brown
I was friends with Rich as we both graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1984.. Rich was a great human being that I enjoyed talking with. Memories of Rich playing as a running back for the Falcons that had an outstanding season in 1983. Rich was loved by many at Pennsbury and was a friend in the true sense of the word. You will be missed by many. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Wilson family and to Rich's friends. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all. RIP Rich. Fly High Falcon!!
Dan Cassidy
Rich was an exceptional man. True competitor yet empathetic and giving. He and his mother let me live with them while Rich and I finished our senior year of High School when my family moved. We competed in everything every day, and i still look back on those 6 months as a blessing and formative for me. Deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. My heart goes out to Ellen and “The Wilson Boys” ❤️💔
Tayler Bresnihan
Rich was the embodiment of Paul Davis’ vision, mission, and values, not just in words, but in how he lived them. He showed up each and every day, even on his toughest days, with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to people. He was inspiring without ever being intimidating. Conversations with him never felt like you were speaking to the CEO of a company, but rather to an equal — someone who genuinely listened, cared, and made you feel seen and heard. It was never just about business. He loved connecting on a human level, whether that meant talking leadership, life, or debating football, including our many conversations about Patriots vs. Eagles Super Bowls. Those moments are memories I’ll always cherish. He built Paul Davis into the culture it is today; one rooted in compassion, integrity, and people-first leadership. His knowledge, energy, and leadership shaped so many of us, and his kindness left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. It was an absolute honor to work under his leadership for eight years. I will miss his wisdom, energy, and compassion deeply, but his legacy will live on through the people, the culture, and the company he so passionately built. To his wife Ellen and sons, Luke, Mark & Sean — thank you for sharing him with us. Your husband and father changed lives, built something extraordinary, and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts, love, and deepest sympathies are with you. He was — and forever will be — Paul Davis.
David Barron
Our sympathies to the family. Rich was the reason we joined CertaPro as franchisees. He painted an ambitious vision of mutual success. It was as simple as that. Always enjoyed our interactions as Rich was friendly, happy and an interested listener.
Stephen Brown
We lost a remarkable leader in Rich. What I remember most aren’t the big meetings but the sidebar conversations—the hallway guidance and the quick stories Rich told, always underscoring what truly mattered. Those moments revealed his wisdom and his heart. To his family, you have my deepest sympathy. I am profoundly grateful for Rich’s leadership and for how it continues to shape my life and work. He didn’t just speak about our vision, mission, and values—he lived them every day. As a leader, it’s up to me to pay that forward: to lead with integrity, invest in others, and turn small moments into lasting impact. Thank you, Rich, for the lessons, the stories, and the legacy you leave behind.
Michael Del Pellaro
Rich, I wanted to thank you for your leadership and guidence at CertaPro Painters. I respected your focus, directness, vision and effort. We worked together on the CPFOA and I am proud to call you my bother(Sigma Chi). I raise a glass of Woodford Reserve in your honour and glad that our paths crossed. My life is richer because we did.
Martin Lautman
Richard Dodd Wilson
2026-01-09
Richard Dodd Wilson, 59, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 9, 2026, at home, surrounded by the people he loved most.
Rich was born on July 18, 1966, to Fred Dodd Wilson III and the late Sara deCalesta Wilson. From the very start, he brought energy, curiosity, and a competitive spark to everything he did.
He graduated from Pennsbury High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1984 and went on to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1988. It was at Dickinson that Rich met his best friend and the love of his life, Ellen. They married in 1991 and shared 34 wonderful years filled with laughter, partnership, adventure, and deep devotion.
While still in college, Rich launched what would become a lifelong career in franchising by running a summer house-painting business with College Pro Painters, a FirstService Brands company, to pay his tuition. What began as a practical solution, quickly revealed his natural talent for leadership, mentorship, and building teams. After graduation, he joined College Pro full-time, helping others take their first leap into franchise ownership. He later held leadership roles at AAMCO and MAACO, where he continued to grow and strengthen organizations.
In 2004, Rich returned to FirstService Brands as Chief Operating Officer of CertaPro Painters and later became President and Chief Executive Officer, serving until 2015. That same year, he was named Chief Executive Officer of Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., another FirstService Brands company—a role he held with pride, passion, and purpose until his passing.
Rich was also an active member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), where he held several leadership roles, including Chairman of the Philadelphia chapter. He also served on the Board of Advisors for Hall’s Culligan Water.
Throughout his career, Rich was admired for his integrity, thoughtfulness, competitive drive, and unwavering commitment to values and people. He loved mentoring others and believed deeply in helping people grow—professionally and personally.
Outside of work, Rich lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. When he discovered something new, he wanted everyone to try it—whether it was pickleball, an African safari, or exploring the beauty of Amelia Island. A devoted reader with a love of history and great storytelling, Rich was always recommending books, especially those filled with lessons about grit, leadership, and perseverance. Fiercely competitive in both business and life, he earned the affectionate family nickname “the Game Warden,” a title he wore with pride and humor.
Rich loved spending summers in Lake Naomi playing golf, pickleball, and kayaking. And as a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, there was nothing better to him than a Sunday of football capped off with an Eagles win—especially when it led to a Super Bowl victory.
Above all else, Rich was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father. He was endlessly proud of his three sons and found his greatest joy in watching them grow into the men they are today.
Rich is survived by his wife, Ellen; his sons, Luke (29) of Warrington, Pennsylvania, Mark (25) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Sean (23) of Boston, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his mother, Sara (“Bonnie”) Wilson. He is also survived by his father, Fred Dodd Wilson III, and stepmother, Katherine O’Neill Wilson of Nocatee, Florida; his sister, Robin Sipe (Christopher) of Westminster, Maryland; his brothers, Kevin Wilson (Mandy) of Franklin, New Jersey, and Timothy Wilson of Bozeman, Montana; and his many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, 1305 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.
A funeral service will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. A celebratory luncheon will follow.
Rather than flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, or online at thefoundationcares.org/give.
Memories