Richard W. Ottaviani, D.C., of Mountain Top, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp., after a brief illness.
The son of the late Dr. Richard E. and Marie K. Ottaviani, he was born in Wilkes-Barre, lived in Glen Lyon and then Mountain Top, where he practiced chiropractic for approximately 50 years. He maintained practices in Hazleton and Mountain Top after graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, in 1973.
Richard enjoyed his patients and treated them with the utmost care; he always took his time and made himself available to everyone. In his free time, Richard enjoyed spending time with his wife of 45 years, Diane. Over the years, Richard enjoyed helping his son, Mark, racing go-karts, training amateur boxers, boating, classic cars, gardening and most recently, spending time with his grandson. He was also treasurer/director of the Italian Independent Cemetery, Glen Lyon.
In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister, Anita O. Legge.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Mark and wife, Elizabeth; grandson, Adam, Baltimore, Md.; brother, Dr. Robert E. and wife, Dody, Mountain Top; brothers-in-law, Robert Legge, Mountain Top; and John J. Cunningham and wife, Gail, White Haven; sister-in-law, Linda Harford and husband, Scott, Bellefonte; mother-in-law, Ruth Cunningham, Mountain Top; nephew, Nicholas Legge, Mountain Top; and nieces, Jillian Harford, Bryn Mawr and Dr. Allison Harford, Nisbet.
As per Richard's request, private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to the Italian Independent Cemetery of Glen Lyon, c/o: Marlene Beleski, president, 51 McKendree Road, Shickshinny, PA 18655; or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank all who assisted in any way at this difficult time.
Arrangements are under the direction of Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, Mountain Top.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation.
Bill and Beth Kesselring
August 31, 2023
Diane, Beth and I were so sorry to hear about Rich. We were totally shocked and saddened by the news. We shared many great memories together and he touched our lives as well as many others. His presence has made a difference in so many ways. Your family and friends are richer for having him. We are sending you and Mark our love and deepest sympathies. I know that you are surrounded by much love. We are with you in spirit.
Stanley and Jane Frank
August 31, 2023
Diane, so sorry to hear about Rich. Hope you are dealing as best as you can with the loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Al klein
June 21, 2023
Sorry for your lost.. I was Richard's student doctor at Palmer College of Chiropractic In the 60's
His dad was instrumental in my chiropractic career going up in Mt.top. He will be missed !
Albert Klein,DC
Michael Camasso
April 2, 2023
Rich was more than just a Doctor, he was my friend and Angel. I'm really gonna miss the storeys and jokes he used to tell me. And when he asked Diane, Hey Diane, Mike wants to know what we're having for supper.
He always made me smile. I lost one smart guy I could always confide in. He's going to be thought of always by many.
Just an all around perfect guy.
Till we meet again, Rest in Peace my friend! God Bless!
Dolores Drozdowski
March 28, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He was such a great Dr and I considered him and his wife Diane as my closest friends He had such a great personality and he would take time out to treat anyone even on his time off. He was one of the best at his job . He will be sadly missed. My condolences go to his wife Diane and the rest of his family. May he rest in Peace!
Diane Petry
March 22, 2023
Dr. Robert Ottaviani and Family, I was so shocked to hear of your brother's recent passing. I did not know him personally but I am sure he was dedicated to his patients as much as you, Robert, and had helped many people. Richard and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee France Powell
March 21, 2023
Diane I am so sorry to hear of Doc´s passing, my heart is broken. He was very special to me and my family and got me through many hard times with my back. He was more than just my doctor he was family to me. I loved our times in the office laughing and reminiscing about my parents. He was one in a million. I will never forget you Doc
JoAnne Shiner
March 21, 2023
It is with great sorrow and shock over the passing of Richard. I had been a patient of Richard's for over 50 years. I not only considered him as a great Chiropractor, but as a friend and also Diane. We were family in a different way.
Richard never looked at being a chiropractor as a job, but something he just loved to do. This was shown by him making time for you, even if it meant putting everything else on hold. I will miss his smile with a grin, and his love of telling and listening to stories.
His goal was to always heal never looking for accolades. He was truly a humble man who fulfilled his job on earth.
Thank you Diane for sharing Richard with us. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time.
God bless you Richard in heaven.
Your Friend
JoAnne Shiner
Mandy Bankus
March 20, 2023
Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. I was so sad and shocked to hear about Dr. Rick. He truly helped me get well and I thought of him often. I felt better after every visit. Not only because he knew how to heal people, but also because I enjoyed his company so much. You are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Thinking of you and praying for you during this most difficult time. I'll never forget Dr. Rick and all that he did for me.
April (Bankus) Clews
March 20, 2023
Diane, I was so sad to hear of Dr. Rick´s passing. I feel like he´s taken care of my whole family (Bankus/Pretzman) at some time or another. I´ll miss all of his crazy stories and especially miss his expertise and kindness in his field. My prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace.
Kim Gasper
March 20, 2023
Dear Diane and family: I was saddened to hear of Dr. O's passing. I always told him he kept me on the road running and functioning. When we moved he helped me find chiropractic care and even called them to discuss my care. There was NO ONE that could match the care he provided me for so many years. I am keeping you in my prayers. Kim Gasper/Bellefonte
Charlotte Dominick
March 20, 2023
Our family is truly saddened by the passing of Dr. Richard. My parents were two of his first patients when he started to practice and were with him for many years until their passing. I recall my daughter was 7 yrs old and had problem with her foot, Orthopedic wanted to do surgery, but we consulted Dr. Richard first and he said he would help her and he did!. She is now 45 years old and never had a problem with her foot. He was so patient and caring no matter what time of day you needed him.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. He will be missed.
Michael L Jezewski
March 20, 2023
Diane, I am so shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr. Richard. His skills and demeanor were unmatched. I referred dozens of my friends to him over the years who all thought the same. I surely will miss him as I am sure they will too. I will keep you all in my prayers. Thank you to both you and him for all you did for me over the years.
Brandolino and McFarland Family
March 20, 2023
We are so very saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Ottaviani. He was truly a gifted Dr. and was a treasured friend of our family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you Diane and your entire family. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time
Theresa Krogulski
March 19, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Denise Smedley
March 18, 2023
I'm so sad to hear of Dr. Ottoviani passing. He was truly a wonderful, and gifted man. Always walked out of his office feeling so much better. He always found time to get you in for an appointment, day or night. He took such great care and time with all his patients. This I know because many of my family members were patients of his.
What I enjoyed about seeing Dr. Ottoviani most, was he always had a great story to tell. Especially about his love of cars and his good friendship with some of my family members.
My prayers go out to Diane, Dr's son and his family.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace Dr. O
Joanne Derwin
March 17, 2023
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Ottaviani´s sudden passing. Being a patient of his for almost 25 years, I also considered him a dear friend. My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife Diane. Please know you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
C Jachimczak
March 16, 2023
I am Incredibly shocked and saddened at this news. I considered Richard a friend as well as my chiropractor for many years and he will be missed immeasurably.
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