Obituary for Richard J. Greczek
On Monday morning, October 3, 2022, our beloved dad, entered eternal rest. Lovingly known to many as “Chief,” Rich was born on January 2, 1941, in Portage, the second of four children to Alvin and Josephine (Bentkowski) Greczek. Rich was a 1959 graduate of Portage Area Senior High School where he was a member of the varsity basketball team.
Rich’s career took him to Cleveland, Ohio where he was employed by Spoe Corporation. He later returned to his hometown of Portage and began his career at Beth Energy- Mine 33 Ebensburg as a welder.
On April 27, 1974, Rich married the love of his life, Barb Bastian, in Saint Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmore. Rich and Barb were blessed with 47 years of marriage, living all of them in their beloved home on Hemlock Drive, where their door was always open, and all were welcome.
Rich and Barb are the proud and loving parents of their daughter Carri and husband, Steve Platt, who consider to be the son they never had.
Along with his wife and parents, Rich is joined in heaven by his brother Ronald and wife Irene Greczek, father-in-law Leo and mother-in-law Rebecca (Bowser) Bastian, brother-in-law, Paul Redfern, sister-in-law, Kathy Merrill, and niece, Reyanah Shaw.
Rich was the cherished brother of James and Carole Greczek, Williamstown, NJ; and Joanne Redfern, Portage. Devoted brother-in-law of Pat Kehn, Wilmore, Karen “Teddie” (David) Shock, Richmond, KY; Vici Shaw, Salix, and Ginger Stephens, Portage, Darrell Merrill, North Royalton, Ohio.
Rich held a special place in his heart for his dear neighbors Ray and Mary Sanders, Marla and Tyler Nesbella, John, Elysia, Ryan (Hayley) and Britton Myher, and the Tremel family. Also cherishing Rich’s memories are his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Rich, along with Barb, enjoyed the simple things in life: bus trips to his favorite casinos, long Sunday drives, enjoying his polka music and the love of his Polish heritage. Above all else, Chief enjoyed nothing more, and was known for his love of baking. He could be found spending hours in the kitchen producing countless baked goods and found great joy in sharing his “goodies” with family, neighbors, and friends.
Rich is a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Portage.
The Greczek family warmly welcomes all family, friends, and neighbors to Rich’s viewing from 2-8, Thursday October 6, 2022, at the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 532 Main Street, Portage. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 509 Caldwell Avenue, Portage, PA at 11 A.M. on Friday, October 7, 2022, Father Thomas Stabile, Celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Bartholomew’ Cemetery, Wilmore.
To plant a tree in memory of Richard J. Greczek, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
6
Oct
2:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Decort Funeral Home
532 Main Street
Portage, PA 15946
Service
Friday
7
Oct
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Holy Family Catholic Church
509 Caldwell Avenue
Portage, PA 15946
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Bartholomew Church Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Wilmore, PA 15962
Loading...
