Richard C. Strzesieski

Richard C. "Xie" Strzesieski, 66, of Natrona, Harrison, died 3:35 p.m. Monday (June 2, 2003) at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born June 9, 1936, in Harrison, he lived there most of his life. He was a 1954 graduate of Har-Brack High School and received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree from Penn State University. He played football at Har-Brack and IUP. A veteran, he served in the Korean Conflict with the Navy. Mr. Strzesieski was a speech therapist and teacher at Highlands High School from 1965 until retiring in 1992. He also served as defensive coordinator of the football team for 15 years. He was a member of the Oregon Hunting and Fishing Club and the American Legion in Brackenridge and was leader of "Xie's Hometown Band". He enjoyed playing musical instruments, especially piano and trumpet. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Helen Ann Stachowiak Strzesieski; a son, Richard F. (Susan) Strzesieski of Natrona Heights, Harrison; and three daughters, Julia A. Strzesieski of San Francisco, Calif., Jennifer Dew of Virginia Beach, Va., and Mrs. Martha (Jules) Beer of Natrona Heights. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Roman and Josie Dew of Virginia Beach, and Jules, Jason and Like Beer and Emily A. Strzesieski, all of Natrona Heights. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Strzesieski and Martha Dzezinski Strzesieski Kowalski; a brother, Francis "Sonny" Strzesieski; and a sister, Evelyn Pawlak. Visitation, services and burial will be private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Ladislaus Worship Site, Natrona, celebrated by the Rev. Donald J. Sotak, pastor of St. Joseph Parish. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alle-Kiski Historical Society, 224 E. 7th Ave., Tarentum, PA 15084. Arrangements are under the care of DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., 10th Ave. at Corbet St., Tarentum.