Paul Joseph Richard

Paul Joseph “Poe” Richard, 68, of Three Springs, passed away after a long, arduous battle wrestling with his health.

Paul was born on March 19, 1958, to Anna Elizabeth Richard and the late Theodore Richard. He moved to East End Canonsburg, PA, in the fourth grade.

He is survived by his loving wife and Southern belle, Sally, who has been by his side since 1996, faithfully cleaning up after him and vacuuming up his mountains of psoriasis. He is also survived by his brother, David T. (Debbie) Richard of Coral Springs, Florida; his sisters, Marci (Rich) Diesel of Washington, PA; Stephanie (Luke) Patnesky of McMurray, PA; Teresa (Don) Pielet of Hinsdale, Illinois; and Helen Jacoby of Canonsburg, PA, his last remaining aunt.

Paul’s eternal stubbornness and booming voice will live on through his only son, P Anthony Payne Richard; daughter, Melisa (Kevin) Cain; and his stepdaughters, Justine and Jennifer Conti, whom he all raised with unconditional love. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Aiden and Logan Cain, as well as great-grandchildren Avery Morgan and Kincaide Joseph Cain, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A 1976 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, Paul was raised Catholic—the reason he was no longer Catholic. Though he once aspired to be a drafter after graduating Vo-Tech, he instead became a journeyman drywall finisher for IUPAT Local 53. He was a true master of his craft until his retirement in 2020. His masterful designs and expert work will remain in hundreds of homes and buildings across the Pittsburgh area for decades to come.

Paul’s passions were many. He loved his faithful Great Dane companions, Ande and the late Samara (“Mari”), as well as the many cats that came as a package deal with his wife. He loved timeless classics, westerns, and movies. WWE was one of his weekly pastimes and could name every wrestler’s catchphrase. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed taking his pontoon boat out on Raystown Lake.

He had a strong love for cooking and baking. He loved music (and would tell everyone that the Stones are better than the Beatles); and he deeply loved his friends and his family. Despite his many loves and passions, his hatred for Donald Trump exceeded them all. I’m sure Poe is waiting down there for him, just to talk.

If you want to honor and remember Poeman, pour yourself a vodka tonic with lime, put on some Rolling Stones, catch a fish, and loudly tell the next jagoff you see exactly what you think of them.

Cremation services are private. Please look for a celebration of life. All family, friends, and Poe’s foes are welcome.