Michael John Rich
Michael John Rich, age 57, of Smithfield, Pa., passed away suddenly on Friday, April 11, 2014.
Michael was born on Wednesday August 15, 1956 in Uniontown, Pa., the son of Mike Rich and Lydia (Cellurale) Rich.
He was the Co-Owner of Rich Farms & Garden Center and the creator of Rich’s Fright Farm.
He graduated from Albert Gallatin High School.
Michael received a football scholarship from Clarion University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.
He earned his MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) from Penn State University.
Michael worked in Governor Richard Dick’ Lewis Thornburg’s administration for two years before marrying Elizabeth ‘Beth’ (Matter) Rich, his wife of 32 years, and then returned to work the farm.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Emily Grace Rich, Alison Maria Rich and Jeremy Alexander Rich; his mother, Lydia (Cellurale) Rich; sisters: Nita Davis and husband Peter of Lake Lynn, Pa., and JoAnn Standish and her husband Lawrence of Washington, Pa.; two brothers: Thomas Rich and his wife Beatrice of Smithfield, Pa., and Mark Rich of Lake Lynn, Pa.; his in-laws, Cecil and Leroy Matter, Camp Hill, Pa.; a brother-in-law, Stephen Matter and wife Kathleen of Cincinnati, Ohio; and nieces and nephews: JoAnn Frey, Ashley Davis, Lydia Davis, Sarah Zottoli, Nicholas Standish, Mike Standish, Natalie Standish, Anna Rich, Cosimo Rich and Letizia Rich. He will be greatly missed by a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; an infant sister, Rita Rich; and brother, Frank Rich.
Friends will be received at the RICH FAMILY FARMS EVENTS BUILDING, 2043 Springhill Furnace Road, Smithfield, Pa., on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 12 Noon to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. in Saint Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church, 61 Mill St., Uniontown, with Monsignor Michael W. Matusak, V.F., Pastor, as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.
In memory of Mike, donations may be made to your favorite charity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the THOMAS M. DOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 136 North Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown, PA 15401.