Richard J. Sestric
December 07, 1938 - October 01, 2020
Visitation: Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home Inc. Ross Twp.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church Monday 1:30 p.m.
Richard John Sestric, 81, of Pittsburgh, died on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Arden Courts of North Hills after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born December 7, 1938, in Pittsburgh to George and Mary (Pavlic) Sestric. Richard married Jane (Mueller) Sestric on June 5, 1971, and she survives.
Also surviving are his four daughters, Cristina (Greg) Kulik, Nicolle DeSilva, Mary Sestric (Chris Sichok), and Laura (Jose) Portillo; grandchildren, Phoebe DeSilva, Devin DeSilva, Marina Sichok, Antonia Sichok, Ricardo Portillo and Isabel Portillo; and one sister Patricia Sestric. Richard’s father, mother, and eight of his nine brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Rich is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rich graduated from Connelly Trade School in 1956. He joined the U.S. Army in 1958 and was a member of the 82nd Airborne and U.S. Army Reserves as a Master Sergeant and jumpmaster. He was proud to have more than 100 jumps. He served as a Peace Corps volunteerin Colombia in the 1960s. Rich was a graduate of Point Park College and received his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
Rich held a variety of roles throughout his life, including director of special events at the Carnegie Music Hall. But as a life-long time resident of Pittsburgh’s Northside, he was most passionate in his volunteer work as a community organizer. Together with his wife Jane, he founded Observatory Hill Inc., to which he devoted countless hours. In 2019, Rich and Jane were awarded the Northside Leadership Conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to spending time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren, Richard loved to travel and enjoyed music and reading. Rich was proud of his Croatian heritage and an active member of Pittsburgh’s Croatian community, especially through his devotion to the St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church on the Northside and the Preserve Croatian Heritage Foundation.
Visitation is from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, October 4, at Devlin Funeral Home Inc. , 806 Perry Hwy North Hills; mass of Christian burial in Our Lady of Mt Carmel parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church at 1:30 PM on Monday, October 5. The burial will be held with military honors at the Allegheny Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rich’s honor may be made to the Peace Corps or to Riverlife https://secure.riverlifepgh.org/
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rest in peace, thank you for serving our country
Janie, Cristina, Nicolle, Mary and Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of your wonderful husband and father. Many family gatherings at your house and our house (ages ago), and great times at picnics and Javor. He is at peace now, and will not be forgotten. Much love to you all and your families.
Even though I haven’t know both of you for many years, your love and devotion to each other was evident. Rich lit up when he saw you. Seeing you dancing together at the sweetheart luncheon showed the true love you each shared for many years.
Jane and Family, my deepest condolences to you. I loved my cousin who was always happy, I wish I could be there for you.
We are forever grateful for the joy and friendship that Rich brought to our lives. He was the first person Larry met on Richey Ave and we have so many fond memories. Our condolences to Jane and family.
You were a great team daddy. A very honorable man. RIP Dick.
Jane & family,
So very sorry to hear that Rich passed away. I will always remember his beautiful smile. Keeping your family in prayer. Sincerely Chris Lopata
Dear Laura’s, Jose and families
John and I are very sorry to hear about your dad who is now with the Lord. May you all remember and cherish the good times and let them heal you through this difficult time. He loves you all very much!
Nicolle;
You and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful person your father was and all the wonderful accomplishments in his lifetime. You and your family are blessed.
Nicolle,
Many symphonies to you and your family. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicolle,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I am very sorry for your loss, you will be in my thoughts.