Charles Ray Richards

Charles Ray Richards, 92, of Elizabeth Twp., died Monday, June 30, 2014 at home. He was born November 6, 1921 in Duquesne and was the son of the late Ray P. and Hazel Ella Swaney Richards. He was a member of St. Michael Roman's Catholic Church, Elizabeth Twp., where he was active with the Church Festival, Choir and the former St. Michael's School. He was also a member of the American Legion, Central Food Bank, Central Vol. Fire Co., Elizabeth Forward Community Chorus, and the Euchre Club. Charles was a retired Major in the US Army Reserve and had served during WWII. He received the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern with 3 Battle Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. He served his apprenticeship and journeyman at US Steel and was a retired Superintendent of the Pattern Shop for Combustion Engineering. He is survived by his wife, Veronica C. Richards, sons, Ronald R. (Judy) Richards of Amity, and Gregory (Diana) Richards of Little Elm, TX, daughters, Valerie (David) Sas of North Huntingdon and Rita (Jerry) Martin of Eighty Four, 13 Grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister, Jean Bridges of Denver, CO, brother, William (Judy) Richards of West Mifflin, sisters-in-law, Bernadette Richards of West Mifflin and Sandra Richards of Warren, OH, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, (Gladys), Emory, (Ethel), Clarence, Donald, (Irma), and Kenneth Richards. Friends are welcome Wednesday, July 2 from 1-4 and 6-9 PM, at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Michael Roman Catholic Church (101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth PA 15037) on Thursday July 3 at 11:00 AM, with The Rev. Thomas Wagner, officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900. Condolences may be made at www.gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com