Daniel Joseph Richard

Daniel Joseph Richard, 97, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Born on May 11, 1929, in Meadville, he was the son of the late Joseph O. Richard and Esther (Pees) Richard. Dan was a lifelong resident of the Meadville area and graduated from Randolph-East Mead High School in Guys Mills in 1947.

In February 1951, Dan was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served with the Signal Corps during the Korean War.

On November 9, 1957, he married the former Cecile Martin, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 68 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Dan was a devoted parishioner of Saint Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church in Frenchtown.

Dan enjoyed a 46-year career with Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), where he worked as a lineman until his retirement in December 1993. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and American Legion Post 205.

Dan never met a stranger. He had an outgoing personality, enjoyed striking up conversations with everyone he met, and always had a favorite saying or catchphrase ready to share. His warmth, humor, and easy manner made him a friend to many.

An avid sports enthusiast, Dan enjoyed hunting and loved basketball, baseball, golf, and fast-pitch softball. He fondly recalled his days playing and coaching fast-pitch softball with Arts & Conrads and especially enjoyed sharing stories from those years. One of his favorite memories was retrieving two foul balls during the 1960 World Series at Forbes Field.

After retirement, Dan and Cecile spent winters in Florida, where he developed a passion for golf. He played in the Mt. Hope Golf League and proudly celebrated a hole-in-one at Venango Golf Course. Yet, despite his many athletic interests and accomplishments, nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews participate in sports and celebrate their successes. Whether cheering from the sidelines or reminiscing afterward, he treasured every moment.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Cecile Richard; his four children, Karen Chess (Dale) of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Mark Richard of Montevallo, Alabama, Diane Edwards (John) of Fort Myers, Florida, and Linda Richard of Baltimore, Maryland. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Clayton Edwards, Mary Edwards, Nicholas Chess, Kaitlin Chess, Maggie Richard, Hope Richard, and Nicole Richard; many nieces and nephews; and his brother, Paul A. Richard (Sophie) of Titusville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Esther Richard, and his sister, Norma A. Burchard.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to their neighbors and friends for their kindness and willingness to help over the years, and especially to Carol Cornell for her loving care and compassion.

Dan’s life was defined by hard work, faith, patriotism, and an unwavering love for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who have the privilege of knowing him. Those who knew him best will forever remember his familiar signoffs and favorite sayings: “See you around the campus,” and, with a smile, “Over and out.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Hippolyte, Cemetery Fund, 25997 State Hwy 27, Guys Mills PA 16327 or East Mead VFD, 23876 State Hwy 27, Meadville PA 16335.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Hippolyte Church, 26012 N. Frenchtown Rd., Guys Mills with Father Mike Kesicki, as Celebrant. Family and friends will be received at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Inurnment will be in St. Hippolyte Cemetery where Meadville VFW Post #2006 will render military honors. ARRANGEMNETS HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED TO ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.rosefh.com.