January 01, 1970
Richard John Poletunow of Cromwell, CT passed away at home on July 8, 2018. He was born July 22, 1946 in Tarentum, PA. Originally from Pirate (Buccos) and Steelers territory of Pennsylvania, Dick remained a lifelong fan. Besides sports, Dick was energized by writing and teaching. Despite his recent retirement from his position of Assistant Professor at St Vincent College he continued to serve as an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College. Well loved by his students, he was also an effective counseling therapist with a special interest in helping children and their families.
Among his many activities, he was a foster parent, taught religious formation class and coached basketball. Dick had a gift for making friends across a vast network of social and business interactions. He was known and valued for his sharp, creative intellect that often provided a fresh and thought provoking insight on many issues. He will be greatly missed for his gentle humor, wisdom and caring heart by a broad range of friends, colleagues and students including extended family- Vanessa, Polly and TJ Weber, Marianne Blanko & Ramona Zaha; sisters: Sandy (Jim) DiCostanzo, Regina (Victor) Boerio and brother Mark (Margalita) Poletunow as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Anne Poletunow.
Visitation at Devlin Funeral Home 806 Perry Hwy. Ross Twp Sunday, July 15 4-8pm; Mass of Christian Burial-St. Athanaius Church-7 Chalfonte Ave West View Monday10am. In lieu of flowers, family suggests a donation to Pirate Charities 115 Federal St. Pgh PA 15222 or Malvern Retreat Ctr. 315 S Warren Ave Malvern, PA 19355.
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I was Dick’s barber for many,many years.Boy the conversations we have had.All my condolences to the family.Man,I’m going to miss this guy.Rest in peace Dick,until we meet again.
It is with deep sorrow that I have just learned of Dicks passing
His myriad good works are reflected in the fact that in 2002 he assisted me and two other former Legionaries of Christ in our our transition. He had never met us before and did not know “where we were coming from”. Nevertheless he listened with understanding to our and helped us put our experience into perspective. My prayers for him during the rest of the month and my remembrance for as long as I life.
Rest In Peace my mentor and friend. You provided insight that helped me have a successful career working with children and families.
Rest In Peace.Will miss you,thank you Dick for being my friend for so many years.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. He was a genuinely kind and compassionate man who made a difference in so many lives throughout the years. I enjoyed working with him and know many people who feel the same way. Prayers to all of you.
Dick was a special kind of person who will be missed by many.
Rest well Dick! May God keep you in his glory. Rest In Peace ❤️
So sorry to hear about Dick. He was a compassionate, caring, and thoughtful man. He will be remembered and missed by those who knew him.