Peter J. Rich, 84, of Sun City, AZ, formerly of Erie, PA, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, January 5, 2019. He was the son of the late Raymond and Alberta Rich. Peter graduated from Millcreek High School in 1952. He went on to become an electrician and was President of Rich Electric with his brother, Jim. While living in Erie, he enjoyed membership in many local organizations including IBEW Local 56, Perry Keystone Lodge, Erie Scottish Rite, Erie Yacht Club, Lakeshore Country Club, NECA and Erie Maennerchor Club. He and his beloved wife, Nancy, moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1981. He retired as the head of maintenance for the Scottsdale School District in January, 1997. Besides his parents, Peter was preceded in death by his brother, James Rich.
Peter and his wife loved to travel and spent many happy moments on cruise ships, RVing with their friends of El Zaribah-Nomads or just traveling around the country to visit all of their children and grandchildren. He was lovingly known to all of them as “Pops” aka “Baby Pops”.
Peter is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their seven children, Peter Rich (Debbie), Sandra Freeman (Larry), David Rich (Suzy), Patricia Palermo, Linda Moorhead (Jim), Cynthia Gens (Mitch), and Holly Ruffle (Joe). He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and many more nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary and Cremation Center, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351. A private service will be held in Sun City, AZ, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunshine Service, Inc., 9980 Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351, https://sunshineservice.org/donations. A special thank you to Kay, of Banner Hospice, and Jared, of Banner Home Health, who showed such kindness and dedication to our family.
