Richard Izbicki

Richard J. Izbicki, age 91, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 to be with the Lord, with his beloved wife who he lost in September of 2014, Irene to whom he was married 65 years.

Richard was born in Erie on March 18, 1927, son of the late William and Phyllis Maras Izbicki and stepson of the late Ted Elder.

Richard attended St Stanislaus grade school and Cathedral Preparatory School graduating in 1945 before entering to serve our country during World War II at the age of 18. He entered into the U.S. Army and trained at Camp Blanding, FL and after training was sent to Germany to serve in the European Theatre of Operations. Later in the line of duty he opened the first commissary in Amberg, Germany. Upon returning from the war Richard met and was soon thereafter married to the love of his life Irene, and they were happily married for 65 years.

He worked at Urbaniak Brothers Market when returning from the service, later opened Richard’s Superette for five years before working and becoming general manager of Keystone Auto Parts for 27 years retiring in 1989. Upon retirement, Richard and Irene moved to Springhill, FL and they enjoyed life to the utmost for 17 years, traveling all over the U.S. with Fran and Don McDade, his sister and brother in law. In 2005 Richard and his wife returned to Erie to be close to their daughters Joyce and Cynthia who he loved dearly.

Richard loved bowling, golfing, playing cards, polkas and especially watching the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday evenings at seven. He also was especially proud of his membership to the American Legion Post #494.

Richard is survived by two daughters who he loved and cherished, Joyce Izbicki and Cynthia Baron and her husband Gary. He is also survived by brother in law Don McDade as well as several nieces and cousins.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by many close relatives including his sister Lucille Lubak and her husband Norb along with sister in law Fran McDade.

Richard had close relationships with his niece Evelyn Fried, her husband Fred; cousin’s Norman Merski, Lee Merski, his wife Linda and Sister Audrey Merski; and niece Gail Casillo, her husband Rich and their son Richie.

Daddy willed be missed by all of us who loved him with all our hearts. Rest in peace Richard now that you are with your Irene in heaven above.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home on Friday August 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. until the time of a memorial funeral service at 11 a.m. followed by full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the American Legion Post # 494, 42 Wall St. Girard, PA 16417 or a charity of one’s choice.