Richard J. Reuscher

Richard Jerome (Dick) Reuscher of 575 Charles Street, St. Marys, PA passed away at his home on November 13, 2021, following a lengthy illness.

Born February 1, 1934 in St. Marys, he was the son of the late Benedict and Edna Lanzel Reuscher.  He attended the St. Marys Parochial Grade School, Central Catholic High School and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.

On September 7, 1957, Dick Reuscher and Mary Lou Brody were united in matrimony by Father Kenneth Kelly, O.S.B. in the Sacred Heart Church.

Several weeks later they moved to El Paso, Texas where Dick served as an Executive Officer in an anti-aircraft missile battery at Fort Bliss.

After completing his active duty, the couple returned to St. Marys where Dick was employed by Keystone Carbon Company, holding various positions including CFO, President and Chairman of the Board. He retired in 1996.

A strong dependable man, Dick was dedicated to his faith, his family and quiet generosity.  Always active in the community and the Catholic Church, Dick served on numerous committees and participated in many fundraisers.  Although a man of many interests, which through the years included travel, reading, golf, racquetball, bowling and bridge, his focus was always education.  He served on the school boards of both the local public and Catholic school systems as well as Gannon University, St. Bonaventure University, National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.

Dick was also a charter member of Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA).  He served as the Erie Diocesan representative on the PA Catholic Conference for 16 years and was the Elk County Republican State Committeeman for 18 years.  Dick was bestowed several honors and awards throughout his life. He was a Knight of Malta, designated Knight Commander of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II, named an outstanding Pennsylvanian by the William Penn Society and received the Presidential John F. Myers Award for outstanding dedication to Catholic Education from the NCEA.

In addition to his wife Mary Lou, Dick is survived by his children: David and Mary (Meyer) Reuscher, Andrew and Donna (Dippold) Reuscher, Daniel Reuscher, Julie Reuscher, Molly Reuscher, Susan (Reuscher) and Douglas Wittman, Nancy (Reuscher) and Christopher Godino.  He is also survived by grandchildren: Rachel (Reuscher) and Matthew Foust, Cassandra (Reuscher) and Adam Gardner, Alyssa Reuscher, Brittany (Reuscher) and Travis Wendel, Benjamin Reuscher, Garrett Reuscher, Kylee Proudfit, Laira Reuscher, Ryan Wittman, Edward, Samual and Alexander Godino.  There are also great grandchildren: Lukas Haugdahl and Brady Foust, Peyton and Rory Wendel and Gatsby and Lennon Gardner. Also surviving are brothers, Robert and Timothy; and three sisters, Mary (Mrs. James) Mallison, Catherine (Mrs. Alfred) Brennen, and Alicia (Mrs. Eugene) Gleixner.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his son, Kris; his brothers, William, Conrad, and Thomas; a grandson, Michael Proudfit; and his nephew and godson, Aaron Brody.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard Reuscher will be celebrated Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:30 AM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA.  Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA, on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, Advancement Office, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857; Esperanca Inc.; Food for the Poor, Inc., 1911 West Earll Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85015, https://esperanca.org/donate-now/, or any charity of your choice.