Richard John Szaroletta

Richard John Szaroletta, a brave WWII veteran, a member of the Greatest Generation and a generous friend to many, passed away on the morning of August 2, 2016 shortly after his 95th birthday.  The cause of his unexpected death was sudden cardiac arrest due to complications from pneumonia.  Richard was preceded in death by father Wallace Szaroletta (1953), mother Anastasia Szaroletta (1933), brothers Michael Clore(1983), Frank Szaroletta (1988) and Peter Szarletta (1996.)

Richard is survived by his sister-in-law, Matilda K.Szaroletta of Bridgeport, Michigan, his niece Mary NettieRodriguez (Dr. Porfirio Sergio Rodriguez) of Rio Grande City,Texas, his nephew Howard F. Szaroletta (Laura Szaroletta) of Bridgeport, Michigan, and his nephew William K. Szaroletta (Elizabeth J. Kuuttila) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also survived by four great-nieces (Mary Anastasia Perez (Orlando Joel), Rachel Lee Szaroletta, Susanna Szaroletta Kuuttila and Sarianna Lee Szaroletta Kuuttila), two nephews (Dr. RaudelSzaroletta Rodriguez (Brittany Kildow Rodriguez) and SamuelJames Szaroletta) and three great-great-nephews (Lorenzo Perez, Benicio Perez and Phoenix Perez.)

Richard was born on July 11, 1921 in Ontonagon, Michigan. He graduated with honors from Ontonagon High School in 1937 at the age of 15. Richard carried a principle of hard work and achievement throughout the rest of his life. He worked for the American Carloading Interstate Motor Freight in Detroit, MI after graduating from high school.  He received his Billing Certification in the years of 1941-42 and in October of 1942 joined the U.S. Army.  He served 38 months in the Armyand was stationed in many places around the world.  For 31 months he was stationed overseas under General Hogers, in the Southwest Pacific (Brisbane, Australia, Hollandia, and Dutch New Guinea), and in Tacloban, Leyte and Manila, Philippines under Colonel Lloyd Elliott.  Richard received an honorable discharge from the Army on November 30, 1945.  

After returning from the service, he went to the University of Michigan, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Forestry.  He worked for Weyerhaeuser for 31 years and 2 months.  He first did forestry field work, until he was involved in a near-fatal head-on car crash in May of 1953, 6 miles west of Pocatello, ID.  He was hospitalized in American Falls, ID for 5 weeks and underwent multiple surgeries at Mayo Clinic (3 on his hip (1954, 1971, 1991) and 1 on his back (1968.) After his accident, he still worked for Weyerhaeuser, but as an accountant because of skill with mathematics.  

After retirement, Richard stayed incredibly active and fit.  In his hometown of Longview, WA, he rode his 21 speed Schwinn 20-30 miles almost daily, totaling distance of over three times around the world.  He donated money from collecting recyclables along his bike route to his favorite charities.  In July of 2015 he moved from Longview, Washington to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be close to familyand to get care at UNM’s Health Sciences Center.  Richard was able to obtain a hip replacement, cataract removed in both eyesand physical therapy at UNM Hospital and La Vida Llenaskilled nursing facility.  

Richard never married or had children, but he was a loving family member and great friend to many.  He spent holidays with many different friends and family.  He would visit different parts of the country and welcomed all visitors he had with open arms.  Throughout his life, Richard maintained his commitment to the Roman Catholic Church, to stewardship and to making his country (and the world) a better place.  Richard had an unforgettable twinkle in his eyes as he told his famous stories, his contagious smile and laugh, his intellect and his generosity.  He is dearly missed.

Richard’s visitation will be August 8th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary service at 7:00pm at Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, Michigan.  Rite of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am on August 9th at Holy Family Catholic Church, a graveside burial service at Holy Family Cemetery and a luncheon at Holy Family Catholic Church again in Ontonagon, Michigan.

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