Richard J. "Dick" Pitonyak, 78 of Lake City, died Tuesday May 10, 2016 as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

He was born September 26, 1937 in Cleveland OH., a son of the late Louis and Anna (Demeter) Pitonyak.

Dick graduated from high school in Cleveland and later enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he returned home to the Cleveland area, moving to the state of California for a time before moving to the Erie area. Here he worked for Bandag Tire and Hammermill Paper Co., Gateway Transportation Co. (Steel Div). He purchased Graziano’s Trucking Co. and was self employed with the MAP Transportation. Dick received his Life Insurance License and worked at Equitable Life Insurance Co. He went to work for Wagner-Giblin Insurance in Fairview and most recently was self employed and owner of the R. J. Pitonyak Insurance in Fairview.

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard, where he was an usher.

Dick was also a proud member of the Girard American Legion Post #494, where he was 1st Vice Commander for three years, Board of Directors, Executive Board at Large, Instrumental in building the new facility; a member of the Honor Guard and participated in numerous Memorial Day ceremonies and parades. He was Past President of the Exchange Club; Past President of FLAGs where he was always seen at the Girard Yellow Jacket football games selling popcorn in the fall, that enabled scholarships for West County students. Finally he was also a Past President of National Life Underwriters Association in Erie.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Robin Pitonyak and Lena Pitonyak; a sister, Viola Worcester and a brother, Louis Pitonyak.

Dick will be greatly missed by his family, which includes his wife of 41 years, Mary Alys (Carpenter) Pitonyak; two sons, Dave P. Pitonyak (Michelle) of San Diego, CA, Rick Pitonyak (PJ) of Brandywine, MD; a step daughter, Michelle Gustin (Edward) of Raleigh, NC; a step son, Steven LaJohn of Erie; his grandchildren, Michael Pitonyak, Dima Pitonyak, Stephanie Pitonyak, Richard Pitonyak, Jay Flynn, Brittney Polinchak, Alyson Pereira, Alexis Gustin, Jennifer Edwards, Anna Pitonyak, Elizabeth Brumbaugh; several great grandchildren and two nieces, Donna Manjura and RoseMarie Garsteck.

Friends may call on Friday from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Edder Funeral Home, Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard. A Prayer Service will be held there on Saturday at 9:30AM followed by the Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 101 Olin Ave., Girard at 10AM with Rev. William Miller officiating.

Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or to the Girard American Legion Post #494, 42 Wall St., Girard, PA 16417.

To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com

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