Richard ‘Pap Rich’ H. Travalena – Perryopolis

Richard “Pap Rich” H. Travalena, 88, of Perryopolis, Jefferson Township, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, after a year-long struggle with heart issues at LaFayette Manor in Uniontown. Born Aug. 26, 1935, in Monessen, he was the son of the late Reynold and Rose Choite Travalena. A resident of Perryopolis for the past 62 years, Mr. Travalena was a member of St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Pap was a retired steelworker after 30-plus years at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel’s Allenport Tube Mill. After retirement he and his wife became snowbirds for 10 years, spending the winters in Florida. Pap enjoyed doing things and taking care of his yard, but his biggest love was mowing grass, earning him the nickname from his grandchildren of the “Lawn Police.” They also enjoyed camping with family and friends as well as attending the various sporting events and activities the grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. He was a huge Steelers football fan and could be found glued to his TV watching on the weekends. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Richard J. and Wendy Travalena of Perryopolis; two grandchildren, Richard J. Travalena Jr. and wife Kristen, and Matthew and Susan Travalena; three great-grandchildren, Emme, Paisley and Ean; a granddog, Winny; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. Chunkala Travalena; and brother, Aurther Travalena. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 191 Liberty St., Perryopolis, 724-736-2515. Prayers of transfer will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the funeral home, followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at at St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Rodolfo Mejia as celebrant. Interment will take place in Mon Valley Memorial Park. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at LaFayette Manor for the loving care they showed Pap during his stay. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to Fayette Friends of Animals. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.