Richard J. Kurutz

A North Braddock native, currently residing in Linesville, PA,  age 76, died on Monday, March 25, 2024.

Rich was the beloved husband of Theresa (Strang) Kurutz for 52 years.

He was the precious father of Lynnie (Jason Davies) Marendo of Franklin Park and Angie (Sean Sklenar) Kurutz of North Huntingdon.

Rich was the proud grandfather of Sean M. Glazar, Noelle Kurutz and Logan Sklenar.

He was the great-grandfather of Lilly.

Dear brother of John (Joanne) Kurutz of North Huntingdon, George (Fran) Kurutz of VA, Dennis Kurutz of Latrobe, Michele Kurutz of North Huntingdon and the late Paul (surviving spouse Phyllis) Kurutz.

Rich is also survived by many nieces, nephews and his lifelong dearest friend and ‘brother’, Tony (Sharon) Sacramento of North Huntingdon.

Rich was a 1967 graduate of North Braddock Scott High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and completed 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. Rich was blessed with artistic talent and graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After 41 years of service with USSteel’s Edgar Thomson plant, he retired and relocated from North Braddock to Linesville and Pymatuning Lake. During his retirement, Rich spent many hours fishing the lake and local streams. He also enjoyed caring for his home by mowing the lawn obsessively and gardening flowers and vegetables. Rich was very pleased to have inherited Italian heritage from his mother’s family, The Greco’s. In fact, one of the precious vegetables he harvested each year was the special magic family garlic that was brought to America by his grandmother with whom he was especially close. Rich also unleashed his artistic talent while retired, painting, sketching, drawing and even creating a mural on an old refrigerator. One of his favorite activities was just relaxing at an outdoor fire with his family and loyal friends. Family and loyalty were very important to Rich.

All are welcome on Monday, April 1, from 2-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Avenue at Cable Avenue, East Pittsburgh (412-824-8800).

Mass of Christian Burial in Good Shepherd Church, Braddock (St. Joseph the Worker Parish) on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Parting prayers at the funeral home will be at 10:20 a.m.

Rich will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Braddock Catholic Cemetery.