Richard A. Milito

Richard (“Rich”) A. Milito, 83, of Lower Burrell, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was born November 22, 1942, in Vandergrift, a son of the late Richard and Delphina (Intrieri) Milito. Rich was a 1960 graduate of Vandergrift High School. After marrying the love of his life, Carole, Rich settled in Natrona, where he raised his family and lived for more than 35 years.

Rich was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, including many years at St. Joseph’s Church in Natrona, where he served as a lector. While in Lower Burrell, Rich attended many masses at St. Margaret Mary’s Parish and formed many new friendships. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and went on to a long and notable career as a research chemist. He spent nearly 20 years at the Alcoa Technical Center and then 20 years at PPG Industries in Monroeville. During his career at Alcoa, Rich was an inventor on several patents in the 1970s involving aluminum-silicon alloys and aluminum purification.

Rich was deeply committed to his community. He served as a Harrison Township Commissioner in the 1990s, working tirelessly to represent and strengthen the Natrona community. He also coached baseball in the Natrona Heights Little League and basketball at the Tarentum Y.M.C.A.

Rich loved life. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and especially loved making other people laugh. He loved music and enjoyed attending many concerts with his daughter Stacey over the past several years. He was a big sports fan and especially enjoyed rooting on the hometown Buccos (despite years of frustration). Most of all, Rich loved his family. He devoted his life to his wife of 57 years, Carole, his children, and his grandchildren. He treasured the memories they made together, especially family trips to the beaches of the Jersey Shore and Hawaii.

Rich is survived by his children, Stacey (Stephan) Swentkowsky, of Mars, and Erik (Beth) Milito, of Alexandria, Va.; his brother, Vince Milito; his grandchildren, Alex and Nikolas Swentkowsky, and Will, Helen, Evie, and Jake Milito, also survived by his 5 nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by Carole, who passed away in 2023. After a life together that spanned 57 years of marriage, Rich will now be reunited with the love of his life in eternal rest.

Friends will be received Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688. A parting prayer service will be held Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, with his pastor, the Rev. John B. Lendvai, as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, where Rich will be laid to rest beside Carole.

To send online condolences, please visit Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home. Donations in Rich’s memory may be made to Knead Community Café in New Kensington, a pay-what-you-can/pay-it-forward café whose mission is to provide guests with delicious food, regardless of their ability to pay. Rich and his friends enjoyed many memorable meals at the Knead Community Café.