Richard K. Sbarro

1949 - 2021

Richard K. Sbarro
On January 19th, 2021, Richard K. Sbarro, 71, saw heaven. He passed after complications from surgery.
Rich was born in Beaver Falls, February 18, 1949. His parents are Frances (Murphy) and Nick Sbarro.
He graduated from Ellwood High School in 1967 and married Nora Lee (Brotemarkle) May 11, 1968, and was a loving, devoted husband for over 52 years.
Rich went from working at his grandfather's Chewton Dairy to B & W until 1988. In 1976 Family Craft Center was opened and he was involved in every aspect except making bows.
Rich loved spending time at camp on the Allegheny River; New Year's especially with good friends DeWayne and Sissy Flak, or fall evenings with good friend and repair artist Phil Lasky on the deck. He also enjoyed an occasional cigar with Marvin Lebby.
Rich was an active Freemason and supported all organizations to which he belonged. He was a Past Master of Parker Allegheny Canby Lodge in Parker and a member of Lodge of the Craft/Westminster in New Castle. He served in the York Rite Bodies in New Castle and was a Past High Priest of Delta Royal Arch Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Hiram Council of Royal and Select Master Masons, and Past Commander of Lawrence Commandery. Rich was a Past District Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania. He was Past Sovereign of Antioch Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Past President of Masonic Veterans of Western Pennsylvania, Past Sovereign Master of General Hugh Mercer Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees and Past Master of the Roland C. Fisher Mark Lodge.
Rich was a member of Golden Triangle York Rite College and Keystone Priory Knights of the York Cross of Honor as well as other Masonic organizations. Rich was a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Valley of New Castle, serving as Past Sovereign Prince of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem and held the Scottish Rite Meritorious Service Award. Rich was a member of Syria Shrine and a Past President of the Lawrence Caravan. He was past president of the Cathedral Foundation, member of New Castle Lions and Lawrence Club. Rich valued all his "brothers" and friends made with each organization.
He is survived by his mother; wife; brother Dr. Mark (Holly) Sbarro of Florida; 3 nephews and 3 nieces. He was blessed with 12 cousins all within the area and tried to have special meals together. Rich was an animal lover and leaves behind Baby Boy the cat.
He was preceded in death by his father; mother-in-law Lenora Brotemarkle; UB his dog and Lovey the cat.
There will be an hour of public visitation time from 12:30-1:30 on Wednesday, January 27 at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road. The family will not be present during this time but ask that visitors feel free to sign the guest book. CDC guidelines will be in place in regard to wearing masks and social distancing. Due to CDC Pennsylvania guidelines, there may be limited access due to room capacity.
A private family service will be held with the Rev. David A. Snyder of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital, Lawrence County Humane Society, or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com