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Cdr. Richard M. Very, Jr.

March 25, 1959 - November 09, 2020

Text:

Obituary For Cdr. Richard M. Very, Jr.

Age 61, entered into the loving arms of God on Monday, November 9, 2020.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 40 years, Diane (Fitzpatrick) Very, who was by his side, as well as his children, Richard III, Jocelyn (Justin) Weaver, and Anna. He is also survived by his most precious grandson, Knox Weaver, who was the apple of his eye. Rick was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Joanne (Glaid) Very and the late Deacon Richard M. Very, Sr. He grew up in Brookline, where he and his siblings that survive him, Ron (Lesia), Ray (Laura), Rob (Theresa) Very, and Jeanine (John) Kaminski were lovingly raised by their parents. A 1977 graduate of South Hills Catholic High School, Rick attended the University of Notre Dame in the NROTC program, where he was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation. The highlights of his naval career were serving as Supply Officer on the USS Groton SSN 694 Fast Attack Submarine and being hand selected to run the Foreign Officer Supply Training Program. Following active duty, he became a member of the Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of Commander. He had a profound respect for all who served the great country he so loved. Rick and Diane cherished a relationship dedicated to raising their three children, travel, and watching their grandson Knox grow up. Rick and his family happily lived on the Very Farm, where they held their renowned annual friends and family picnic, The Barneque. Rick was passionate about his business consulting firm that he founded in 2000, where many of his clients became lifelong friends. His infectious personality, and engaging conversational style easily steered people to him. He will be tremendously missed by many and remembered as a fiercely dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate man. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 2- 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday in St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, Resurrection Church at 11:00 a.m. Everyone please meet at church. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors will be held privately. Due to the current public health crisis, masks and social distancing guidelines must be adhered to. To honor Rick’s commitment and love of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, the family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers to the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, which supplements undergraduate and vocational education for eligible members of the U.S. Submarine Force and their dependents. Follow this link to donate/learn more: www.dolphinscholarship.org

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Condolences

  • November 25, 2020

    Peter Tarantino

    Dear Family , I am a consultant who worked for Rick years ago in Pittsburgh/ so sorry for your loss / I have great memories of Rick / kind / generous / easy to talk to / compassionate / spoke of his family at dinner (recall a great steak dinner at the Hyde Park) a wonderful human being imho / God bless him and your family / Peter

  • November 17, 2020

    Peg Alsfeld

    Dear Diane and family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Rich. I met Rich through consulting and developed a wonderful friendship with him from that. Rich was one of the good guys. A man of integrity and honesty, always smiling and positive, with a great sense of humor. It was clear Rich loved his family very much! I am so saddened by his death, but I know he is in a better place now. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Rich and God bless each of you.

  • November 15, 2020

    Martin Ambrose

    Dear Diane and family, please accept my deepest and sincerest sympathies at your loss. I am a former colleague of Rich and have great memories of working with him. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man.

  • November 14, 2020

    Oliver Holden

    I was greatly saddened by our loss of this wonderful man. We worked together only for a short time, but he left an indelible impression on me as a person of character, integrity and great humor. My heart goes out to his family.

  • November 11, 2020

    Sue Petrak

    Dear Diane and your children and grandson, Rick was one of the most intelligent and politically informed man I enjoyed every conversation we ever had. Remembering fun nights of 500 bid with you and Diane were most challenging.I hope you win every double nuello hand in heaven xoxo Peace my friend you will be missed

  • November 11, 2020

    Maureen Brennan

    Dear Diane and the entire Very family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a gift to know Rick and your family. So many are sharing in your loss and sorrow. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

  • November 11, 2020

    Rich Boehm

    A great leader, mentor and friend. Always had a great sense of humor. Our navy trips together were serious when he had his game face on but during off hours he always had footballs, basketballs and baseball equipment in his seabag! He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His contributions and inspiration to his sailors will be perpetually carried forward in this unwavering fraternity! God bless his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him!

  • November 11, 2020

    Rob Gancas

    Rick's personality was infectious to say the least! His friendship means so much to me. I'll never forget him. ~ Rob

  • November 11, 2020

    Donna Whitney

    Dear Diane and family members, we are saddened by the death of Rick. Know that each of you are in our prayers and thoughts daily. Our love to each of you at this most difficult time. Donna and John Whitney