Richard Alfred Szczesny
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Richard Alfred Szczesny, 92, of Frederick, Maryland, formerly of Altoona, Pennsylvania, passed from this life on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his daughter's residence in Frederick. He was the wife to Jacquelyn (Brown) Szczesny for 51 years. They were married on October 11, 1969. Born on February 7, 1928, in Natrona, PA, he was the son of Frank Szczesny and Frances (Krulikowski) Szczesny.
Richard graduated from Harbrack High School in Natrona Heights, class of 1946. The day after his graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving for 3 years until his Honorable Discharge in 1949. During his service time, he was stationed on a sea plane tender named USS Pine Island, in Antarctica, during Admiral Byrd's expedition.
After his service, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, and worked in the summers at the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Mills. He graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1956 and began his career as a pharmacist in Natrona Heights, before moving to the Altoona area, where he worked at the Hollidaysburg State Hospital. He was the first full-time pharmacist in the hospital. Mr. Szczesny began working at the Altoona VA Hospital in 1961, until his retirement in 1995.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Altoona.
Richard was a history buff, loved horse racing, and one of his most favorite hobbies was watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mostly, he enjoyed being with his family.
In addition to his wife, Jacquelyn, he is survived by his daughters: Mary Szczesny and Susan Gibert and husband John and a granddaughter, Malia Gibert, whom he adored. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Szczesny, whom he loved very dearly.
Private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA. A World War II veteran, Richard will be laid to rest with military honors.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at www.StaufferFuneralHome.com.