Richard H. Townsend

1943 - 2025

Richard H. Townsend, 82, of Vandergrift, passed away Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in the Hillcrest Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Lower Burrell. Born May 17, 1943, in New Kensington, he is the son of the late Blaine and Dorothy Shaw Townsend. Rich was a graduate of Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach, FL, and had attended Palm Beach Jr. College for engineering. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam Era, he had been the past owner of the Corner Bar in Vandergrift and was a startup engineer for M.W. Kellogg for many years as well as with other companies. Rich was a member of the Slovak Club in East Vandergrift and the Bari Club and American Legion Post #114, both in Vandergrift. He enjoyed watching all Pittsburgh sports, golfing, fishing, playing softball, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Theresa (Rojeski) Townsend. Two sons, Richard M. (Shelby) Townsend and Anthony L. (Sarah) Townsend; and a daughter, Resha L. (Mark) Chepkevich, all of Leechburg; 11 grandchildren, Helena, Elizabeth, and Benjamin Townsend; Taylor, Maxwell, Isaac, Samuel Townsend, Nicholas, Olivia, Ian Chepkevich, and Noah Woodward; three great-great-grandchildren, Peyton, Dylan, and Abygail Townsend. His brother, Lawrence (Marge) Townsend of East Vandergrift. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Townsend Woodward; and a grandson, Zachary Woodward. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, with Fr. Vincent Zidek as celebrant; full military honors will follow at 10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the DUNMIRE-KERR & ROWE FUNERAL HOME INC., 244 Franklin Ave. Private burial will be in St. Gertrude Catholic Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.dunmirekerr.com.