Obituary of Richard A. Piatnek, Jr.

Richard Andrew Piatnek Jr. (75) of Bruceton Mills, WV passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, February 22, 2025. He was born on December 09, 1949, in Canonsburg, Pa, to the late Richard Sr. and Ida Margret (Walton) Piatnek. Richard graduated from Peters Township High School in 1967, where he excelled in academics and football. After graduation, he attended Waynesburg College, playing football and winning the conference title in 1968. He transferred to Penn State University and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 1971. He went on to have a successful career in turfgrass management, working as a greenskeeper and superintendent at Rolling Hills CC (Pa), Oakmont CC (Pa), Olympia Fields CC (Il), Greene County CC (Pa) and Sinking Valley CC (Pa). In 1988, he founded and was the president of Tri-Star Soil Inc. in Hazelton, WV. He was an athletic field turf consultant at West Virginia University for many years. In 1997, he worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a football field consultant. Richard had many speaking engagements in WV, Pa, Md, and Va. Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rebecca (Vukmanic) of Mather Pa. A daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Matthew Kenderski, of Rices Landing, Pa. A daughter, Nicole, and husband, Rene Guerra; their children, Jackson (15), Luke (10) and Ava (5) of San Antonio, Tx; and a son, Andrew of Bruceton Mills, WV and his daughter Lily (10) and stepdaughter Hailey (16) of New River, AZ. A niece, Christine and Husband Hans Schulz and daughter Sarah (19) of Pottstown Pa. A sister Carol Piatnek Mccoy of Gainesville Fl. And several nieces and nephews In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Ida (Margaret)Piatnek Felix of Reading, Pa. Richard loved fly-fishing and auto racing. He spent many hours watching dirt track racing and building model cars. He enjoyed coaching his children in sports. The White Knights football team and the Phillies' softball team both won championships. He took immense pride in his lawn and gardens. If he wasn’t on his lawn mower, he would be sitting around a campfire. He loved to tell stories and share his life experiences. At Richard's request, there will not be a local service, but a mass will be held in his memory later. We invite you to share memories of Richard and upload any pictures on his memorial page, The Broken Chain. We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life, we loved you dearly. In death, we do the same. -It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.--You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.--Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.