Richard J. Schontz

Richard J. Schontz, 87, of Butler passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the VNA Inpatient Hospice while surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 28, 1931 in Butler, he was a son of the late Harvey and Anna Beck Schontz.

He was retired from Butler Armco as a foreman. He contributed over 900 suggestions that were accepted and implemented to plant safety and improvements.

Richard served as Mayor of Butler from 1986 to 1990 and from1994 until 2000. He also served on City Council from 1976 until 1984. He had a passion for the city and serving the public. He served as President of the city Democratic Club and served on numerous boards.

He was a member of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lyndora.

Richard loved dogs and served as past President of the Humane Society for nine years.

He also served in the Army National Guard with the Medical Unit Company of the 28th Division during the Korean war.

Surviving is his wife Dorothy Mae Wallak Schontz, they were married for 67 years.

His daughter, Cathy Ann Pastorius and her husband Don of East Butler and his son, Rick and his wife Connie of Butler.

His brother, Ken Schontz and his wife, Vicky and a sister, Nina Gombash and her husband Robert.

5 grandchildren: Kim Veltri (Pete), Rick A. Schontz (Lindsey), Donny Pastorius (Cathy), Marcus Pastorius and Michael Schontz.

5 great-grandchildren: Amelia Graham, Savina, Preston and Drew.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA 16001 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday from St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, 610 Hansen Ave. Lyndora, PA 16045 with the Rev. Douglas Lorance officiating. Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Butler.

A Parastas service will be held at 7:00 pm Friday from the Funeral Home. A Panachyda service will be held at 9:30 am Saturday from the Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd. Renfrew, PA 16053.

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