Richard T. Gridler Sr., 78, a former Scottdale resident of Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on the morning of Friday, June 16, 2023.
Rich was born on July 16, 1944 in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, the son of the late Richard Henry Gridler and Jeanne Fleming Gridler.
Rich was a 1962 class of Scottdale High School.
He was a former professional driver who worked for Pepsi-Cola for 37 years.
Rich was a proud veteran serving in Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 103rd Armored Division during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Officer Candidate School, was commissioned a second lieutenant, and served as an officer in a motor pool.
Rich loved his wife, sons, relatives and friends. He loved music and bagpipes. He could be seen every year at the Scottish Festival held at Idlewild Park in Ligonia. He also enjoyed camping with his family in Big Bear, West Virginia. His camp was his second home. Other hobbies that kept Rich busy were Harley-Davidsons, classic Mopar cars, going to auto shows, and watching Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins games. He was a man of many talents and loved by all who knew him.
Rich is survived by two beloved sons, R. Thomas Gridler of Tombstone, Arizona and James D. Gridler of Virginia Beach, Virginia. his sister Bonnie Little and her husband Tom of Connellsville; his mother-in-law, Leona Weir of Mount Pleasant; His sister-in-law, Patricia Swidelski, and Latrobe’s husband Jim. His brother-in-law Frederick A. Weir and his wife Mary Lou of Mount Pleasant. His brother-in-law, Gregory Allen Weir, and Acme’s wife Leslie. his sister-in-law Marie Goulding and husband Ronald of Mount Pleasant; his sister-in-law, Christine Weir Plinky of Roughsdale; his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Weir of Mount Pleasant; and his sister-in-law, Sandra Weir of Mount Pleasant.
In addition to his parents, Rich had previously lost his beloved wife, Paulette R. Weir Gridler (9 November 2007). and his stepbrothers, Frances Michael Weir and Ron Prinkey.
Family and friends will be at the Frank Couple Funeral Home, 417 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale, from 3-7 p.m. Thursday and 9:30-11 a.m. Friday at the time of his funeral. You are cordially invited at the funeral parlor with Reverend Lee. Klein presides.
Burial will be held next to his late wife Paulette in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Calumet and will be given full military honors by the Mount Pleasant American Legion Post #446 Honor Guard.
To send condolences, flowers, or for directions, please visit here. www.kapr.com.
