Richard Warren "Rich" Landau

Richard Warren Landau, beloved husband, father, brother and “Pop Pop,” was born on December 22, 1953, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. There he grew up with his parents Calvin Landau, Jr. and Mary Jane Landau, older brothers Calvin and Jim, and younger siblings Carol and John. Rich graduated from Bethel Park High School in 1972 and from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1977 with a degree in architectural engineering. He worked with his father Calvin Landau Jr. at the Landau Building Company after graduating before eventually starting his own contracting company. He was known for his excellent craftsmanship, ingenuity, and generous spirit. He often volunteered his time and skills to those in need.

He spent his adult years in Allison Park, Pittsburgh, where he built a life and a family. Rich was first married to Neva Veliquette and together they had three children: Chris, Kate and Michelle. After their divorce, he married his wife Diane Kissinger Landau in 1989. They enjoyed thirty-four years of marriage and raised her two daughters, Judah and Jen, together. Rich enjoyed her excellent cooking, her beauty, her wit, and many nicknames “Ricky, Ricardo, RW.” He was dedicated to providing for his family and teaching them the value of money and hard work. He took them on road trips, camping, and boating. Rich was passionate about his faith. He served in several churches, studied to become a pastor, and took six trips to the Dominican Republic to support a church community by donating his building skills and making meaningful connections. His favorite Bible verses were from John 14 where Jesus reassures and instructs his disciples about the future.

In addition to being committed to his family, business and church, Rich was a lot of fun. In his earlier years, he enjoyed waterskiing, boating, fishing, hunting, trips to Bimini and photography with his brothers and father. He was skilled at skiing slalom, obstacle courses, jumping and even barefoot skiing. In his later years, he enjoyed quiet meals at home, fishing with grandkids, weekends on his boat in Lake Arthur, helping neighbors, cooking seafood, books and shows about world travel, and playing Yahtzee. He cherished his kids and their families. He helped them all do house repairs and taught grandkids everything he could: boardgames, snorkeling, woodworking, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, and building engines. He was often seen sitting on little kid chairs or lying on the ground in order to play with them. He regaled his family with dad jokes, silliness, self-deprecating humor, and his contagious laugh.

At age 71, Rich passed away peacefully in his home after a long battle with cancer. He bore it all with patience, dignity and a bit of humor, as well as the amazing support of his wife Diane. Rich was preceded in death by his mother Mary Jane Landau, his father Calvin Landau, Jr., and his stepmother Vivienne Landau. Rich is survived by his wife Diane Kissinger Landau; children: Christopher Landau (Andrea), Kate Avila (Mariano), Judah Marroquin (Carlos), Jennifer Blackford (Daniel), and Michelle Bratschi (Kevin); grandchildren: Kody, Jack, and Kenny Bratschi, Isabel and Mariano Avila, Iris and Nathan Landau, and Violet and Charlie Marroquin; and siblings: Calvin Landau (Marty), James Landau (Janet), Carol Furey (James), and John Landau.

Per Rich’s request, there will not be a funeral. The family will honor his life privately.

Arrangements made by PERMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 923 Saxonburg Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Liver Foundation, honoring Rich’s lifelong desire to help others.