Richard P. Pacella

It is with profound sadness and love that we share the passing of Richard P. Pacella, 70 years old, on April 3rd, 2026, with his family by his side at his home in Coraopolis.

Born on February 15, 1956 in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, Rich was the devoted husband of Phyllis (Cavicchia) Pacella, his high school sweetheart, with whom he shared 45 years of love, laughter, friendship and endless memories. He will be missed by many, especially his beloved daughter, Maria Pacella (Sam LaBarbara) and granddaughter (Mia LaBarbara); his loyal brother Ronald and sister-in-law Judy Pacella, and adoring mother-in-law “mom”, Caroline Cavicchia, who loved him like a son. He was like a brother to many, including his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Maria and Robert Rokicki, and is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom he loved deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary (Costanza) Pacella.

Starting from humble beginnings, he was a 1974 graduate of Cornell High School, and 1978 Graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with an accounting degree. He became a certified public accounting in 1980. He started his career at Alexander Grant/ Grant Thorton and remained there for 17 years, working his way up to Senior Tax Manager. In 1996, he became the director of the tax department at S.R. Snodgrass. Within one year he became partner of the firm, later became the Senior Vice President, and also served on the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2024. He was a lifetime member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). Rich was passionate about his career, solving tax problems, and helping his clients.  He was a valued and respected partner to all he worked with and served as a mentor to many, helping others excel in their career. He was a constant source of guidance to many, not only because of his expertise, but also because of his patience and willingness to always take the time to help.  He was not only the consummate professional to his co-workers and clients, but he was a true friend to many he worked with.

Rich was a good, kind, honest, patient, selfless, and reliable man, and his love for his family was beyond measure. He remained an unwavering source of strength and support for them despite his nearly 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer. This love for family was second only to his passion for sports. His curly hair and high school stardom in track and field and football earned him the loving nickname of “Springs”. In his free time, he could be found reading the newspaper, playing golf, and/or watching any and all sports and rattling off varied facts about each team, especially his Pittsburgh teams. He used his passion for sports and attending games to bond with his family and friends. He also shared his passion for travel, fine dining and wine, the ocean, and staying active in nature with all those who loved him.

To know Rich was to love him, and he leaves behind a legacy that inspires us to be better people. He lived every day to the fullest, never missing an opportunity to spend time and share his talents with those he loved. One of his favorite and proudest roles was “Pup Pup” to Mia, and despite their short time together on earth, they created a deep and profound connection that will last through time.

We invite you to join us in honoring the remarkable life of Richard, whose bright smile, gentle, calming presence, compassion, quiet determination, tenacity, and devotion to his family and friends touched the lives of so many.  A visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 3-7 PM in the Sanvito Funeral Home, 1316 4th Ave., Coraopolis. A prayer service will take place on Tuesday morning at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Joseph Church, Coraopolis.  Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

To honor Rich’s nearly 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer, memorial gifts in Rich’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:  http://support.pancan.org/goto/OurSuperhero

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