John C. Richter – Zelienople
John C. Richter of Zelienople and Bald Head Island, N.C., passed away on Nov. 6, 2022. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, a hard worker and a good man. John was born in Belle Vernon on Oct. 1, 1953, on a dairy farm. He always said learning many different skills on the farm was a great start to life and fostered his work ethic. In his senior year of high school, in English class, the one and only class they shared through middle or high school, John met Judy, the love of his life. They were married Aug. 25, 1975, in Belle Vernon and welcomed their son, Jonathan, in 1987. John earned his engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He had a storied and long career with PPG Industries. John and Judy traveled the country, and then the world, with John overseeing plants and representing the company abroad. John’s family is proud of his many professional contributions and accomplishments. John had a passion for mentoring and always shared his deep, varied knowledge with co-workers, family and friends. John was a gifted storyteller and toast giver. Many will miss John’s listening ear and sensitive, sensible and usually right point of view. Jonathan will miss his dad’s patient advice. John took immense pleasure in simple joys. A good beer and a good book, Pirates baseball and Pitt sports. He delighted in spending time with his grandson. In retirement he enjoyed slow days at the beach with Judy — perfecting a recipe in the kitchen or a project in the workshop, walking their dog, Toby, golfing, fishing and swimming in the ocean. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy; son, Jonathan; daughter-in-law, Molly; and grandson, Sandy. He is also survived by a sister, Melanie Smedley (Hugh); brother-in-law, Tom Smedley (Diana); sister-in-law, Joy O’Bryon; and many nephews and nieces. His sister, Linda Snowdowne (Ken), preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in John’s honor to the University of Pittsburgh. Any donors please note in the memo field: Richter Engineering Legacy Fund in memory of John. The address is University of Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 640093, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-0093. A celebration of life will be held in early December 2022. The exact date and location will be announced. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com.
