Richard “Rick” Lombardo, professor emeritus, 77, of Lincoln, died Feb. 6.
Lombardo led a life dedicated to education, scholarship and family. He pursued his academic journey with distinction, graduating from Creighton Preparatory Academy in Omaha before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Creighton University.
His passion for teaching led him to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a doctorate in psychological and cultural studies. There, he began his distinguished career in academia, serving as a respected faculty member in both the College of Journalism and Mass Communication and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Lombardo co-led the university’s McNair Scholars Program and, until his retirement in 2017, served as the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies.
In addition to his academic achievements, Lombardo served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie Bellows, emerita vice chancellor for student life; son Rick Lombardo and daughter-in-law Jen; grandchildren Jamieson and Quincy; and nine siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony J. and Dorothy Lombardo; brothers Tony and Bill Lombardo; and sister Anita Nelson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Department of Educational Psychology Graduate Fellowship Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation; Bryan College of Health Sciences; or the Heartland Cancer Foundation.
A family obituary, which includes an opportunity to leave condolences and memories, is available here.
