Richard L. Szuch

Richard was predeceased by his parents Louis and Margaret Szuch and sister Joan Pohlman. He is survived by his wife Linda Szuch; son Rick Szuch and grandson Hunter Szuch. He is also survived by his son Greg (Danell) Szuch and his grandchildren; Nolan, Natalie and Nathan Szuch. Richard is survived also by his sister-in-law Ellie Haag and his brother-in-law George Pohlman. His nephews are Dr. Roger (Denise) Haag, Randy (Violet) Haag, Alan Pohlman, Scott (Brenda) Pohlman and his niece Kristin (Joey) Williams.

He graduated second in his class of 300 at Duquesne High School, Duquesne, Pennsylvania. He had a brilliant mind and was considered to be the brain of the class of 1956. In college his leadership ability blossomed in the intramural sports teams he organized. Upon graduation from Carnegie Mellon University in 1960, Richard received a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering and as a participant in the ROTC program also received a commission in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. During the summers, he worked for United States Steel. After college, he spent two years in the Army, having been stationed on the front lines in Germany at the height of the Cold War when the Soviets constructed the Berlin Wall. Before his honorable discharge in April of 1963, he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was a combat Engineer Unit commander.

Dick and Linda's romance began at a dance sponsored by the nursing school that she attended. Linda had a date with a young man and Dick happened to be there as a classmate's date. However, they each seemed to prefer each other rather than the dates they were with. Several weeks later, they each made plans with their own friends to go bowling, and by chance or Providence ended up at the same bowling alley. Meeting again, they began to talk. Soon after that, Dick called Linda to set up a date and the rest is history.

While working for the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp., later known as LTV Steel, Richard continued his education and obtained his Master's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He spent the next 40 years working for the same company in the steel industry in very responsible positions in quality control and working closely with customers in solving technical problems with the steel at different locations in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Columbus, Ohio as well as Plant Manager of a large facility in Hammond, Indiana. He retired from the steel industry in 2002.

During his working years, he and Linda enjoyed traveling to many countries around the world. He was an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports and a proud member of Steeler Nation. He liked to tell the story of being at the Steeler/Oakland game in 1972 where he witnessed the legendary "Immaculate Reception" of Franco Harris.

Retirement did not slow him down until overcome by cancer which he confronted with faith and courage. Dick was an avid reader often finishing multiple books a week. His love of competition and his spirit of service came out in his work with the Westerville's Amateur Soccer Association youth program, something he thoroughly enjoyed. Furthermore, he and Linda worked as a team for many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and at the Food Pantry at their home church.

He was a faithful Christian throughout his life, seldom missing Sunday services. Christ was the center of his life, one reason that Linda, a preacher's daughter (PK) was a great match for him. Richard Szuch loved our Country and was always interested in politics to improve things, being a staunch conservative.

Richard will be deeply missed by his loving wife, children and extended family and many friends. After a long delay due to Covid-19, there will be a memorial service and celebration of the fruitful life of Richard Szuch on Saturday October 24, 2020 at Central College Presbyterian Church; 975 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081. There will be a visitation for friends to speak with the family, see a video of his life and examine some of his keepsakes accumulated over the years at 1O o'clock, the memorial will start at 11 o'clock with a reception following the service. You may record your condolences to Richard's family and your personal memories for posterity at https;//www.schoedinger.com/obituaries/Richard-Szuch/#!/Obituary

A Separate Note from Paul Sebastian: On October 31 at 6:30 pm the University of Rio Grande (near Gallipolis, Ohio) will have its annual Honor the Veteran's Night and dinner. Every year the names of all the local veterans are read who have died in the previous year. As a close friend through high school and college, I will feel privileged to include Richard Lewis Szuch among the honored dead who served our country so well. Finally, a VFW contingent will play taps with a 12 gun salute.