Richard Joseph Zanie
May 26 1946 – March 12 2021
Army Veteran, Man of Business and Inveterate Romantic.
Richard was a fighter who believed in the power of prayer.
He beat cancer 4 times and survived two major heart surgeries almost 30 years apart.
He knew in his heart that he couldn’t have done any of it without divine intervention.
A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh and a true son of Heidelberg.
He had a love hate relationship with the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers.
And for a short but wonderful time also with the Pittsburgh Spirit.
Master strategist as a youth soccer coach.
Obsessive compulsive fidgeter as a fantasy baseball manager.
Wielder of a wicked sense of humor, emphasis on wicked.
Proud father of Michael (Melinda) and Alicia (Joe Kratochvil).
Even prouder “Pappy” to Ian, Connor, Duncan and Maddie Zanie.
More brother than brother-in-law to Al Chmiel, uncle to Alan (Kim) and to his children Alex and Elyse.
Fiercely loyal friend to many, the very best friend to a select few.
Preceded in death by his saintly mother Mary (Steranko), his father Joseph and sister Dorothy (Chmiel).
He was prepared to pass on and confident that he would eventually be in the lord’s presence.
But still he clung to life.
He didn’t want to miss anything.
Didn’t want to let anyone down.
He wanted to leave a legacy.
He absolutely did.
Donations to the Displaced Carmelite Nuns in lieu of flowers.
Carmelite Monastery
PO Box 57
2101 Manor Drive
Loretto. PA 15940
Lorettocarmel.org
Interment in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full Military honors will be at a later date.
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