Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Richard Frank Perella

September 12, 1937 - September 16, 2025

Text:

Obituary For Richard Frank Perella

Age 88, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was proud to say he was the longest living Perella in his family to date. Born September 12, 1937, son of the late Frank (Yellowhorse) and Kathryn (Kitty) Perella.

Preceded in death by his loving, wife … his “jellybean” Betty; devoted father of Lonna (Scott) and Peter (Michelle); honorary stepfather to Dennis (Stacey) Curcio and John (Mary Daneen) Curcio; honorary grandfather to Givanna and Olivia; brother of the late Diana (Charles) Baxendell; brother-in-law to Richard (and the late Shirley) Cirigliano and uncle to his five children; loving uncle to Martin (Liz) Baxendell and the late Rick (Lorie) Baxendell; great uncle to his favorite salad eater, Michelle (Seth) Baxendell-Gregor and his favorite new mommy, Kristen (Joel) Baxendell-Hemmert, Matt (Julie), Sarah and Brooke (Ian) and great great-uncle to his Teddy Spaghetti!

Rich was a roll grinder for many years in the steel industry and he served proudly in the Air Force for four years during the Cold War. He can tell you anything you want to know about airplanes, especially a C124 airplane.

He loved old cowboy movies, crossword puzzles, reading the morning newspaper in print, game shows where you could win something and yelling out the lottery numbers 3 seconds before they were pulled. He loved game night and taking everyone’s money …and sometimes he did just that.

He would drive us crazy with all of his stories, but most of the time he knew the answer to whatever question that was presented to him. He really enjoyed his retirement watching the Steelers and the Pirates. He loved his hometown teams and would often find very good adjectives to scream at them when they were on the television as diehard Pittsburgh fan.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Betty, he lost a tiny bit of his spark. She was the true love of his life. And now he has found her again ….
Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 2-7 p.m. Funeral prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:30. Mass of Christian Burial in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Sylvester Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Samantha Guinto planted 5 trees in memory of Richard Frank Perella . - September 23, 2025

Condolences

  • September 22, 2025

    Jim and Barb Smith

    Our deepest sympathy to Lonna, Pete and the rest of the family. Growing up on Esther St with your dad and your mom was a hoot. I am not sure which one of them gave us the most laughs , but I also remember the strict side of your dad. He was awesome to be around. Our prayers will be with you all and we are sorry, we are not able to be there.

  • September 20, 2025

    Steve Priano

    Uncle Rich was my Dad's best friend from the time they were kids until my Dad passed away 2 years ago. As a result he and Aunt Betty, as well as Lonna and Pete were a great part of our family as we were growing up. Uncle Rich was smart, hard working and super proud of his family. We had many great times together and his eulogy of my Dad was touching and something that I will never forget. He and Aunt Betty were the first people to always refer to me as "Steven" and I think of them and smile whenever anyone refers to me by my full name now. Uncle Rich was a true American and a true Pittsburgh guy. I haven't lived in Pittsburgh for almost 25 years but I'm always proud to say that's where I am from because of people like Uncle Rich. Praying for the Perella family and the repose of Uncle Rich's soul and that he and my Dad are getting the Al Priano band back together in Heaven!

  • September 18, 2025

    judy baxendell

    My condolences to all the friends and family of Richie! He had a 'gift of telling stories of the past. He will be missed .He lived a full life.The memories will linger on.. R.I.P . Rich and enjoy being reunited with Betty and all those gone before you. Judy

  • September 18, 2025

    Sarah Baxendell

    Uncle Rich was a steady influence in my life, always reminding me the importance of family while making sure I always understood I was allowed to explore beyond what I already knew. I'll always remember his smile and his stories.

  • September 17, 2025

    Jeff Thieret

    Deepest condolences to Lonna, Pete and their families, as well as to Rich's extended family and friends. Growing up as an annoying kid directly next door to the Perella's, Rich was a tremendous role model to me, as was his amazing wife Bettie. He would do my mom's income taxes for her every year - and mom would bake him pies, cookies and nutrolls; she never was audited, and Rich never complained! Rich was a 100% American patriot and dedicated, loyal union steel worker. He preached "buy American" and respected what our nation stood for. I consider myself blessed to have grown up next door to neighbors like Rich and Bettie. May our Lord's perpetual light shine upon him, and Bettie, and may they embrace in eternal love and peace..