Richard Alvin Clanagan – East Pittsburgh

Richard Alvin Clanagan, 77, of East Pittsburgh, passed away on Feb. 7, 2021 at 9 a.m., peacefully in the arms of his eldest daughter, at home. He was born May 6, 1943, to the late William and Mary Clanagan in Braddock. Richard attended the North Braddock schools. Before graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He returned home to Pennsylvania for a few years before moving to Pontiac, Mich. While in Pontiac, he became very active in the community and deeply involved in politics. It was his mission to make his city great, and he did. Richard had a few businesses of his own throughout his life. He was a well-known carpenter, which was his passion. He owned and operated R&J Painting, The Carwash, Mysti’s Snack Shop and Knight to King Chess Club/Gaming Room. Rich loved to play and teach the game of chess to any willing participant. He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by two brothers, Leroy and James Clanagan. Richard leaves to cherish his memory seven children, Richard (Dawn) Ruffin, Jaisen Clanagan, Mysti Clanagan, Taniesha (André) Warren, TaLor (Will) Smith, Stefanie McDaniel and Jessica Gallon; and a bonus daughter, Marlynne Moore; his sisters, Connie Hill, Ruth Clanagan, Judith (Caleb) Scott and Noreen Johnson; his brother, Billy Cromer; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thank you to Dr. Merriam, Rikki Grimsley, who was dad’s home health aide who went over and above to make daddy comfortable, and Nurse Rachel from Three Rivers Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to William R. Taylor Funeral Home, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, Pa. A memorial celebration of life for Richard will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 23, 2021, at American Legion, Post 527, 401 Draper St., East Pittsburgh, PA 15104. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Richard Wingfield, pastor of the Unity Baptist Church in Braddock.