Richard Lee Diesel Sr.

Richard Lee Diesel Sr., 84, of North Franklin Township, formerly of Chartiers Twp., passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2017, in the Donnell House, Washington, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on March 5, 1933, in Houston, a son of the late Louis and Eva Hordies Diesel.

Mr. Diesel was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands.

He graduated from Chartiers High School in 1952, where he was on the football, basketball and wrestling team.

Mr. Diesel had worked at Pennsylvania Transformer Co. until drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953.  He had served in Korea and Hawaii as a Corporal and was the recipient of the Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service award and the United Nations Service medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Mr. Diesel was employed as a heater in the forge shop at Pittsburgh Forgings Co. until 1992 and then retired from the Meadows Racetrack in 2007.

He was an avid dart ball player for the Sacred Heart Church in Canonsburg and was a member of the VFW Post 191 in Canonsburg and the American Legion Post 902 in Houston.

On October 15, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Joann Koziel, who survives.

Also surviving are: four sons, Rich Diesel (Marci), Dave Diesel (Doreen), Tom Diesel and Ed Diesel (Lori);  nine beloved grandchildren, Shawn Diesel, Devon Tonti (Zach), Jordan Diesel (Fiancé Rick Corso), Kelsey Cleveland (Patrick), and Alex, Connor, John, Jared and Makenzi Diesel; two step grandchildren, Makenzie and Jared Embert; three great grandchildren, Claire and Bodey Cleveland and Theo Tonti; a great granddaughter is due in September; a sister-in-law, Bertha Diesel; two brothers-in-law, John Koziel (Vera) and Robert Koziel (Sandy); and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was the last of his immediate family.  Proceeding him in death are: his sister, Anna McCabe (Walt) and their son Ronnie; and two brothers, Donald (Roseann) and Robert Diesel.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Tuesday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where a blessing service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, with Rev. Carmen D’Amico officiating.  Full military rites will be accorded by the Honor Guard from VFW Post 191of Canonsburg.  Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven, McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Hospice of Washington, Donnell House, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301.

 Service Information