Richard A. Polka

1940 - 10

Richard A. Polka, 71, of Kiski Township, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at home. Born Oct. 31, 1940, in North Vandergrift, he was a son of the late Joseph Polka and Mary (Milanik) Polka. Richard was a resident of Kiski Township since 1966. He served our country in the Army during peacetime. Richard worked for NUMEC in Apollo, and later worked for the Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Co. from 1974 until 1982. He was a member of St. James Roman Catholic Church, Apollo; member of UMW Local 1412; member and past president of the Slovak Club in Parks Township; member of the Leechburg Elks and former member of the Apollo Elks; member of the Fryburg Sportsman's Club; and member of the New Bethlehem Moose. Richard enjoyed hunting, watching sports and playing cards. But he most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Victor Lee Shaw; sister, Delores Gabrielli; and brothers, Thomas, Daniel, James and Joseph Polka. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Faye M. (Clawson) Polka; son, Richard M. (Terrie) Polka, of Port Matilda; daughters, Carla M. (Todd) Stewart, of Saltsburg, and Valerie B. (Vincent) Shaw, of Worthington; grandchildren, Karl, Erika, Alexandra and Markus Polka, Cody and Kayleen Stewart, and Victoria Shaw; brothers, John Polka, of Tionesta, Ron (Donna) Polka, of Apollo, and Don (Linda) Polka, of Vandergrift; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the CURRAN-SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 100 Owens View Ave., Apollo. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. James Roman Catholic Church, 109 Owens View Ave., Apollo, with Father John T. Euker as celebrant. Entombment in Greenwood Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice in Richard's memory. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.