Richard J. Fallat 1934-2024

Richard was born June 17, 1934, in Struthers, to Andrew G. and Mary Vasilchek Fallat. He was a big brother and buddy to his brother, Bill (Mary Ann, deceased) Fallat, who survives in Lowellville.

Richard graduated from East High School in 1953. In his senior year, he met the love of his life, Kathryn “Kay” Zyvith, who became his wife, June 4, 1955. They were married for 69 years. She survives in Struthers.

Richard worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube in the open hearth for 25 years until it closed in the late 1970s. In the late 1960s, he and three friends started Youngstown Security Patrol. At early retirement, he delivered flowers for his cousins’ flower shop in New Middletown.

He loved watching the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns, and always wore their respective ballcaps when they played.

Richard would help anyone who needed help and freely gave of his time.

He worked the chain gang at Struthers High football games for many years and was a long-time member of the Struthers Gridiron. Richard was also a civil defense and Struthers reserve police officer.

Richard was known to be stubborn, but had a great sense of humor, as family members and friends remember with smiles and laughter.

He was a good and loving dad to his children who survive: Mary Ursida (Gary) of Beaver Falls, Pa., Rick Fallat (Kathy) of Juda, Wisconsin, Kathy Grossman (Loren) of Struthers and Andrew Fallat of Struthers.

He was also the absolute best grandfather and papa who adored and loved his grandchildren: Jim Markota (Patty) of Massachusetts, Jason Markota (Heather) of Struthers, Michelle Cannon-Matlock (Jim) of Beaver Falls, Pa., Mike Cannon (Cindy) of Beaver Falls, Pa., Antonio and Alicia Grossman of Struthers and Nicole Fallat of New Springfield; and nine great-grandchildren, including Gianna Cannon, whom he helped raise.

Richard is also survived by his in-laws; Walt Zyvith (Judy) and Fran Rimmer (Marv), along with hosts of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great granddaughter, Rebecca Markota; son in-law, Nick Terlecky; and in-laws, Walter and Frances Zyvith.

Richard is loved by his family more than he could ever imagine and we knew we were loved back more than we deserved.

“Fly high Dad, with our love until we see you again.”

Services are pending and have been entrusted to Augustine Funeral Home.

(special notice)