Richard J. Ponteri Sr.

Richard J. Ponteri Sr., 81, of Natrona Heights, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born June 16, 1940, in Natrona Heights to the late Frank J. and Rose M. (Conte) Ponteri. Rich was a 1959 graduate of Har-Brack High School. He served his country as a Second Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich worked as a machinist most of his life working for Miller Printing in Pittsburgh, Altfathers in Sarver, Pullman Standard in Butler and retiring from Metalworking in New Kensington. He was also the owner of the former Fast Track Nascar Store in Natrona Heights. Rich was an avid Nascar fan especially of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., loved country music, exercised and walked daily and was a former Freeport Little League coach. Rich is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Taraszewski) Ponteri, Sons, Richard J. (Tami) Ponteri Jr., of Natrona Heights and Scott Ponteri (Darla), of Cabot; grandchildren, Malory, Derek and Nicholas Ponteri; brother, Joseph (Susan) Ponteri, of Chicago; brother-in-law, Floyd "Bucky" (Cheryle) Taraszewski, of Natrona Heights; sister-in-law, Marlene Stanzione, of Natrona Heights and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Thomas Stanzione and by his in laws, Theodore and Helen Taraszewski.

Services and burial for Richard were private. The service was officiated by Pastor Robert Waterloo. Arrangements were under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Richard may be made for medical expenses for Richard J. Ponteri Jr. care of First Commonwealth Bank, 4021 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.