Rick Case, South Florida automotive legend, dies at 77

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Rick Case, the CEO and founder of the Rick Case Automotive Group, died Tuesday after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

He was 77.

Case passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family members, a spokeswoman said.

An Akron, Ohio native, Case was known as a catalyst in the automotive industry and had a passion for giving back to the community.

This year marked the 59th in business for the Rick Case Automotive Group, which has 16 dealerships in Florida, Georgia and Ohio.

Case’s legacy and his automotive empire will continue with his wife and business partner Rita, and their children, Ryan and Raquel, who have active leadership roles in the company.

“Rick had the most amazing mind for problem-solving,” Rita Case said in a statement. “He set his goals so high, most could not dream that big. His work ethic and passion to succeed was very intense and always had me chasing to keep up. He always treated me as his equal and allowed me to share in his spotlight of success. Let there be no doubt, Rick created, built, and operated his company with a single passion to be the biggest and best.

“I will miss him so much; he was truly one of a kind and always so positive. I’m so proud of him and thankful to have shared 40 years with such a special, caring, and supportive husband.”

A private ceremony will be held for immediate family with a “celebration of life” in the future, a spokeswoman said.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor supporting the Rick Case Educational Scholarship Fund, which benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Contact Kerry Becker at kbecker@bgcbc.org.

Rick Case (© Downtown Photo 2018 all rights reserved)

About the Author:

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.