Richard R. Nemec – Monongahela

Richard R. Nemec, 85, of Monongahela, passed away on Feb. 10, 2021. Richard was born on Aug. 24, 1935, in Lock 4. He was the son Stefanie Hibar Nemec Duhme and Peter V. Nemec. He was preceded in death by his mother; father; stepfather; son, Eric; and two brothers, Pete and Jerry. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monessen. Richard was in the United States Army Reserves for six years. A graduate of Charleroi High School in 1954, in his teen years he worked in most of the men’s clothing stores in Charleroi, much of the time at Shure’s Clothing Store. After graduation, he was hired at Pittsburgh Steel’s coke plant, where he worked for nine years. At the same time, he took evening classes at the then-California State College. In 1963, he attended CSC full time and received a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in speech pathology and audiology. Richard was then hired in the McKeesport School District as a speech pathologist. In 1967, he received his master’s degree from West Virginia University, also in speech pathology and audiology. In that year he was hired at California University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, where he taught for 32 years. He continued his education by completing all the course work for a doctor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Richard retired from Cal U in June of 1999. He served on the executive board of California University’s emeriti faculty, where he acted as treasurer. Richard was recognized in 1997 for outstanding contribution in teaching. In 2012, he was awarded the President Emeritus Faculty Award. In 2018, Richard was honored by the Foundation for California University with the Dixonian Award for service to the university. He was also a member of American Legion Post 22 in Charleroi, where he served for many years as the post finance officer and club treasurer. He was also a member of the post’s honor guard. At Post 22, he helped establish an endowed scholarship, awarded annually to a deserving senior from the Charleroi Area School District who will attend California University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Richard was treasurer for the committee that built the veterans memorial at its current location in North Charleroi. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and riding his ATV. He enjoyed many of these activities at their cottage at Deep Creek Lake. Richard is survived by Donna, his wife of 59 years; his sons, Rob (fiancée, Susan) and Joel (Donna); and his five grandsons, Robbie (fiancée, Cassandra), Matt, Justin, Joel and Jude Nemec, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Larry Maykovich (Janet); special cousin, Beverly Hibar; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. On Feb. 15, 2021, private funeral services were held for the family at SCHROCK-HOGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. Interment followed at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to the California University of Pennsylvania Foundation, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.