RICHARD FETTER Obituary
RICHARD D.
Age 63, of Bethel Park, on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Beloved husband of 41 years to Sondra Warren Fetter; loving father of Colleen (Patrick) Gallagher and Christopher Fetter; cherished grandfather to Zachary and Caitlin Gallagher; brother of Robert, Robyn Nason, Ronald, and Ross; brother-in-law of Bryan (Beth) Warren; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was a graduate of The United States Military Acedemy at West Point in 1974. A passionate golfer, he enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid Penguins fan, connoisseur of ice cream of any type, prolific writer, and a lover of music. Richard and Sandy traveled the world with a beloved group of friends. Richard loved life, and was constantly learning. Above all, Richard was a loyal and passionate grandfather who spent many hours practicing soccer with his grandcildren. Arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends will be received at 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-941-3211 on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 17, 2015, at St. Benedict the Abbot at 10 a.m. Interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Central Blood Bank. Please add or view tributes at:
www.beinhauer.com
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Alan Walker
October 28, 2019
October 2019
I just returned from the West Point Class of 1974 45th Reunion. Our first event was a memorial service for 65 classmates that had died since we graduated. During the service an officer read each deceased classmates name and when he read, Richard D. Fetter it struck me that Rich was the one I knew the best and missed the most. We miss Rich.
During the tribute, many kind words were expressed about our missing comrades, but the two that rang true for Rich Fetter were CHARACTER and COURAGE. Rich was a fun and delightful character, but also a man of character with steadfast courage. Rich took much more than his fair share of stress from upperclassmen. Being half a head taller that the rest of us with a permanent grin made him stand out. The rest of us were grateful to be spared the attention Rich attracted. Rich took it all and we admired his steadfast character and courage under pressure.
That evening at dinner the five attending Company I-3 classmates: Jef Troxell, Larry Frank, Jim Koenig, Vinney Mauro and I toasted Rich and Sandy. Before the football game we visited the old Scott Barracks where we spent our plebe year. It is being renovated such that future tall guys like Rich do not bang their skulls in the stairways built in 1936.
Rich Fetter was a scholar, fine athlete, but mostly a great friend and comrade that we will miss. Grip hands, May it be said Well Done, Be thou at peace.
September 17, 2015
To Sondra and Family: On behalf of the West Point family in the tri state area, we pray for the departure of Rich and hope the best for your family. If you have any needs or questions, contact our Society for Western PA and the tri state area. I did not personally know Rich as I was 10 years ahead of him but his loss is a loss to the long grey line.
Per Madsen
USMA 1964
Secretary West Point Society of Western PA
September 17, 2015
To Sandy and all of Rich's loved ones,
Rich was my classmate at West Point, too. He is dearly remembered and will be greatly missed. On his behalf let me give you a few words of assurance and encouragement. May the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost be upon you and remain with you always. And may light perpetual shine upon our dearly departed and may he rest in peace.
+Jeff
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Anderson, Ph.D.
Bishop for the Armed Forces
Episcopal Missionary Church
6309 Capella Avenue
Burke, VA 22015
Home: 703.644.5429
Cell: 571.289.6376
Mark Redlinger
September 16, 2015
To Sandy and his loved ones, I was saddened to hear that Rich had passed away. I will always remember him for his undaunted determination in the face of tough challenges, his great heart, but most importantly how much he loved, you, Sandy. He as well as you all are in my prayers.
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Rich Kornacki
September 16, 2015
Sondra & family,
Please accept my deep condolences on this great loss of Rich. May God bless you and console you during this difficult period.
I hold many fond memories of Rich, as we were platoon mates during our yearling year at West Point at Camp Buckner. I will always remember Rich as having a great sense of humor, just enough, to carry us through that summer military training. I did cherish our time together then and actively sought him out during the rest of our time at West Point, as we were in the same regiment.
Think of him often and cherish your memories together.
Rich Kornacki
Pride of the Corps '74
September 16, 2015
To the Fetter Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Rich. We were classmates at West Point and spent all four years in the same company. I have many fond memories of him during our time there. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that hundreds of his classmates have him and you in their thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Dennis Dimengo
West Point Class of 1974
Company I-3
Alan Walker
September 16, 2015
To Sandy and the family, I have such fond memories of Rich and the fun times at West Point. We were roommates about half the time there and it was always a kick. I also remember fondly all the girls from Mt. St. Mary's. Go ARMY BEAT Navy!!!! Al Walker [email protected]
September 16, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
September 15, 2015
To The Fetter Family:
Rich and I were classmates-POTC '74. We were in the same Beast Company 1970 and all through those harrowing days, I can still hear the platoon leader yelling, "Fetter-get in step!" I realize a memory like that is more funny than serious-but I can't recall those days without that memory-it gives me a feeling of togetherness and uniqueness-we were plebes; in our formative years; and we came out grads. To my classmate Rich; we will all join hands again like we did those many years ago. Rest in peace.
Tom O'Leary
USMA '74
Nikki Konyk
September 15, 2015
Jack and I are just so sad over the loss of such a great guy and friend. Sandy, you and yours are in our prayers for strength and comfort at this difficult time.
Nate Johnson
September 15, 2015
Chris & Colleen, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family in this trying time.
September 15, 2015
So much can be said of a true friend, a passionate colleague and a man of honor. Rich was always a 'can do' and a 'go to' guy. A pleasure to know and work with and someone who would always make our day better. My prayers for Rich and his family come with gratitude and thanks for the many wonderful memories. Rest well, Rich we will remember you with joy in our hearts.
Jim Allen USMA '73
September 15, 2015
Colleen and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like such a wonderful man. Please know you are in our daily prayers.
Eileen & Mike Landucci
Dylan, Ryan, Nicholas & Mara
September 15, 2015
To the family of Rich Fetter,
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Rich's family. I worked with Rich for many years at Bettis Laboratory on several different projects, and I considered him to be a genuine friend. We will miss Rich, and I value the time that we worked together and what we were able to accomplish together on challenging projects. Again, I express my deepest sympathies to Rich's family.
Sincerely,
Dave Debo
Diane Kuna
September 15, 2015
My Dearest Sandy,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Know that Ed and I will have you in our thoughts during this difficult time. You are a dear friend and I wish that I could be there.
Diane Kuna
Ken McKay
September 15, 2015
My condolences to the Fetter family, you have lost a great leader. Rich and I were brothers-in-arms, as military officers (he was at the "other" Academy) and as warmates at Bettis (he survived, I did not). He was always upbeat, it was tough, if not impossible, to be at-odds with Rich.
Hard-working, family-guy, Rich was fun to be with and our human lives are less meaningful without him. Take heart, though, his spirit will continue to warm all of us, we are all in this together, and forever.
Ken McKay, USNA '72
Commander, Civil Engineer Corps (the Seabees), USNR (Ret.)
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2820 Washington Road 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317
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