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JAMES J. "JIM" RETTINGER Jr.
JAMES J. "JIM" RETTINGER Jr.
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JAMES RETTINGER Obituary
Age 84, of Coraopolis/Moon, passed away at home, Saturday, December 14, 2019. Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (DeJulio, Evanko); his sister, Dorothy A.; his parents, James J. Rettinger and Dorthy Driscoll. He is survived by his son, Paul, (Sherry); grandchildren, Gabrielle, Kelsey and Kevin; his stepchildren, Claire Schachner (JIm), Nathan, Nicklas Evanko (Erin), Max and Margo. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Picone; brother, Richard (Dick) of Richmond, VA; nieces and nephew, many cousins and friends. After graduating from Crafton High School, he enlisted in the Army. He then earned a B.S. in Art Education from Indiana University of PA and Masters in Art Education at Edinboro University of PA. Retired art teacher at Seneca Valley School District for 38 years. He was an active member of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and many arts organizations. He exhibited in many galleries and also had one-person shows. He was active exploring the outdoors, hiking, cross country skiing, fishing and camping. He cultivated vegetables and flowers from seed. Friends and family are invited to funeral service at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Moon Township, Thursday at 10 a. m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western PA Conservancy or to a favorite charity.
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February 7, 2020
I was lousy at art. In elementary school, he took me out in the hall and kindly but clearly gave me some straight talk about my behavior. I forget what I did, but I remember thinking, "Oh, yeah. I did wrong." I appreciated it a little bit then, but I'm very grateful now that he cared, and took the time, to give me some solid advice and wisdom. I also remember him saying, "If you need to cut out a small circle, cut it out of the CORNER of the paper, not out of the center." That's magnificent advice that I think about ALL THE TIME -- Be thoughtful, plan before you do something, and don't waste precious resources! Two small things that made a real difference in my life. It's amazing to think about how his thoughtfulness over the years must have resonated with all the students he worked with, then surely rippled out from them to others. Thank you Mr. Rettinger.
Rett at Scholastics 1999
Jim Nagle
December 22, 2019
I shared a teaching room/space with Jim for eight years! His students loved and respected him. Everyone learned something from Jim. All who knew him are better off because of that.
Denise Chappell
December 21, 2019
Jim was a vey talented and inspirational teacher. I enjoyed working with him. He had a unique way of looking at life and its opportunities and challenges.
Jason Hager
December 21, 2019
James was and always will be the best teacher I ever had. He did the one thing that matters most to anyone who spends their lives in service to the arts; he inspired us to create and to be fearless. My thoughts are with his family, people who were close to him, and those that carry on because of him.
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Kimberly Graf
December 21, 2019
I loved this man!! One of my all time favorite art teacher .will miss you sir,your joy,your easy going spirit,your love of ART however it came...rip.
David Rider
December 20, 2019
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Thoughts and prayers go out to your families. May Gods presence and his healing hand and love very upon you and your families during this difficult time in your lives. Take Care and God Bless.
Christopher Twiz Tritschler
December 19, 2019
High school can be an awkward time for a teenager. Mr. Rettinger and the other members of the Seneca Valley Art faculty made a place for the weirdos to exist and feel welcome. Rett had a contagious sense of humor and an inspiring enthusiasm about teaching art. As many people have already said, he was without a doubt my favorite teacher. Sometime in the early 2000's I ran into him randomly on a hike at McConnells Mill state park. He was crouched down trying to take a photo of a tiny flower growing up through a crack in a rock. Hey guy! he said to me. We talked a couple minutes. Later that day, I remember thinking that it was strange how he was putting all this effort into photographing something so small and mundane compared to all the incredible scenery around the park, but I get it now. That's how he looked at everything and everyone. He saw things in people that others overlooked. When you talked to him about something, he really listened, and gave you honest and thoughtful advice. My sympathies to Rett's family and friends. He was one of the good ones.
Mike Polite
December 19, 2019
Paul I am very sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed you Dad and I have many great memories of him from school and baseball. He was a tremendous man who was always smiling and thus making others smile.
Thomas Licker
December 19, 2019
Rett was one of the most encouraging and inspirational Art teachers. He had a great way of making you believe in your talent or lack there off. He always had a great sense of humor and his class was one I often looked forward to going to. Rest Peacefully
Pat Murray
December 19, 2019
Rett was one unique teacher for sure. He and Mr Marshall guided me through some tough times. I will always be grateful and remember his unconditional support when I was a young man trying to figure out my life's path.
Pat M.
Christopher Twiz Tritschler
December 19, 2019
High school can be an awkward time for a teenager. Mr. Rettinger and the other members of the Seneca Valley Art faculty made a place for the weirdos to exist and feel welcome. Rett had a contagious sense of humor and an inspiring enthusiasm about teaching art. As many people have already said, he was without a doubt my favorite teacher. Sometime in the early 2000's I ran into him randomly on a hike at McConnells Mill state park. He was crouched down trying to take a photo of a tiny flower growing up through a crack in a rock. Hey guy! he said to me. We talked a couple minutes. Later that day, I remember thinking that it was strange how he was putting all this effort into photographing something so small and mundane compared to all the incredible scenery around the park, but I get it now. That's how he looked at everything and everyone. He saw things in people that others overlooked. When you talked to him about something, he really listened, and gave you honest and thoughtful advice. My sympathies to Rett's family and friends. He was one of the good ones.
Bunny G
December 19, 2019
The best & most supportive teacher I've ever had. Thank you Rett for encouraging my creativity and helping me see art in unusual places. Always remembered fondly and often. I hope he knew how much of a positive impact he made for so many students.
Senior Year
Justin Repasky
December 19, 2019
Ret really was such an amazing teacher and very inspirational. He was so nice and so much fun. What truly wonderful person all around! He very much is and will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Bruce Donaldson
December 19, 2019
Loved Mr. Rettinger, he was so influential to me as my art teacher in school, so many years ago. It was always so cool to literally cross paths on some trail somewhere up the allegheny River, always so nice to talk to, just a great man. Ann, I believe I installed a kitchen in your home a few years back, please accept my condolences.
Robb G
December 19, 2019
Rett was the absolute best. No question my favorite teacher. Always encouraging and supportive. What a beautiful man. My deepest condolences to the family.
Jason Woolslare
December 19, 2019
Mr. Rettinger was one of a kind and a true inspiration for so many people that went to Seneca Valley. I'm not sure if he knew the positive impact that he had on me and the countless number of students he taught and mentored. He was a practicing artist and art teacher, I always valued and respected that he practiced what he taught. He will be missed!
Doc MacDonald
December 19, 2019
I had the pleasure of teaching with Jim at Seneca Valley High School for years. He was an inspirational teacher and friend to faculty and students alike. He will be missed; rest in peace Jim.
Barry Stickel
December 19, 2019
The day JFK was shot he came into Mr. Yoep's class, obviously crying. turned to the bookshelf, paused, wiped his eyes, took a book and left without a word.
I also remember he had a "Rye sense of humor".
Jennifer Boice
December 19, 2019
Ret was my art teacher in high school. He was my absolute favorite teacher and I always looked forward to taking his classes. After graduation I ran in to him at a Steeler game. My condolences to his family may he Rest In Peace.
Joan (Zawrotny) Smith
December 18, 2019
this breaks my heart!! I was a student of his from 1988-1991 when I graduated. Every year I made sure to take a class of his. He was so inspiring and just a great man all around! The art world has lost a great one!! My deepest sympathies to his friends any family! I will never forget Ret! He meant a lot to me through out high school. Rest In Peace!
Andrew Wilson
December 18, 2019
He was my favorite art teacher at Seneca. He encouraged me to pursue a career in art. After college, we would see each occasionally at gallery openings & the Carnegie Museum. May he rest in peace and heartfelt condolences to the family.
Jamie (Jones) and Joe Durso
December 18, 2019
A great teacher! Always willing to help you learn more. Was my step father for a short time and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know him better.
Mrs Barbara Waugaman
December 18, 2019
My sympathy to you all.
I Taught at Evans City Elementary School with Jim. Many wonderful memories. He was a great person and wonderful art teacher.
Zachary Sovek
December 18, 2019
He was a great art teacher and mentor. Since high school I did run into him a few times... I would say he was one of my favorite teachers I ever had
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