Richard G. Hoelke

Richard G. Hoelke, 74, of Eighty Four, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 16, 2025, in his home. He was born July 21, 1950, a son of the late George F. and Geraldine Schmidt Hoelke. Rich was a 1968 graduate of Baldwin High School and attended Pittsburgh Aeronautical Institute. Mr. Hoelke had worked as a pressman for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Pittsburgh Press, retiring in 2000 after nearly 30 years. He was a member of the Washington Lodge #164 Free & Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine, Caravan #2, where he was past president, Three Rivers Hillbilly Clan #53, Shriner's RV Club and Shriner's Road Runners, where he would transport children to Shriner's Hospitals in Erie, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. In the '70s, he owned the Best of Both Worlds Motorcycle Shop in Pittsburgh. He worked on anything with wheels and collected "his stuff" including cars and motorcycles by frequenting antique shops, flea markets and roadside stands. Rich had played the guitar since age 6 and he enjoyed camping and NASCAR. He is survived by his wife, Jaye Ann Lazor Hoelke, whom he has spent 44 years with; a son, Richard G. Hoelke Jr. (Toni) of New Port Richey, Fla.; two grandchildren, Austin Hoelke and Haley Elliott; two brothers-in-law, Michael Lazor (Anita) of Newtown, and Andrew Lazor (Mary Grace) of Pittsburgh; a sister-in- law, Roberta Gillispie (David) of Munhall; Chad Strenen, who was like a son; many niece, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews; and his dog, Lexi Girl. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 20, in St. Patrick Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish, 317 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. A special thanks to Laura, who always came to "take care of me" as Rich would say; Dr. Furlong from South Hills Family Medicine and the support of VitaS Health Care and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Syria Shriners Hospital 1877 Shriners Hospital Way, Cheswick, PA 15024. Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com