Richard R. Peluso

Born on FDR’s inauguration day 03/03/1933 from humble beginnings in Pittsburgh’s “Little Italy” Bloomfield, Richard was a devout Catholic and a proud alumnus of Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic High School. His athletic abilities and love of sports lead to a semi pro football career as a starting right tackle with the Bloomfield Rams during the Johnny Unitas era. However, he felt his true calling was to dedicate his life to the betterment others inclusive of family, friends, and community thus carrying over into his professional endeavors. His passionate democratic convictions influenced him to become a Union Steward, Business Agent, Secretary Treasurer for the Teamsters local 249. He was recognized for outstanding accomplishments and dedication at Pittsburgh’s local 249 and was appointed as the Director of the Public Employees Division of the Eastern Conference of Teamsters; championing the welfare of laborers, truck drivers, educators, police, firefighters, and public workers for fair pay, benefits, job security and safety encompassing the entire east coast. Long into his retirement he was still an active consultant and advisor for the Teamsters.  

Richard was a loyal husband, adored father, revered grandfather, and favorite uncle.  In addition to his love of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, he had a child like affinity for parades, fireworks, hot dogs, convertible cars, military ships, and Gus and Yaya’s on the North Shore. Richard also had a creative side. He was a self-taught accomplished woodworking craftsman who could always be found working joyfully and diligently well past the dinner hours. He was also a gifted vocalist; his renditions of Frank Sinatra songs would capture the whole room.  

After a lifetime of dodging death from truck explosions, burning buildings, floods, crash landings, a heart attack, home improvement accidents, pancreatic cancer, and five children, our Richard has finally found peace on February 14th, 2018 after his battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  

Son of late Paolina and Nicola Peluso. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Toni and precious daughter Gina Marie, as well as his siblings Frank (survived by Willie), Josephine (John Sicilia), Victor (Florence and Ida), Rose (Peter Ficarri), Albert (Joan), Gloria (Eugene Mazzotta), Donald (Patricia and survived by Kathy).  

Richard loved and had a special place in his heart for the late Rosemarie Thomas and her family.  

 In his last few years he was in the devoted care of his daughter Nancy and son-in-law Vincent La Monica and their daughters Angelina, Gina and Maria.  

Also survived my his loving sons, Nicholas of North Carolina, Richard and Jeffery (Amy) Peluso of McCandless, and their 13 children, Nicholas, Kristy, Thomas, Jonathon, Rick, Anthony, Sal, John, Jenna, Adam and Gianna Peluso. Michelle (Brian) Couch, Nina (Matt) Donnelly and Six great grandchildren, Nicholas and Isabella Peluso, Daylon and Kameryn Mills, Kye, Cade, and Maverick Couch.  

For the last twenty-three years, Richard was the loving and dedicated life partner of Josephine DelPizzo and loved her family of two children Marianne and John (Kim) DelPizzo and 6 grandchildren as his own.  

Visitation Saturday 4-7 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw.  

Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10:00 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Church.

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