Richard Michael Slifka was reunited with his mother, father, and beloved sister on Sept. 15, 2024, after a brief illness. Richard was born on Aug. 24, 1962, in Latrobe, PA. He was the youngest son of Theresa (Gera) Slifka and Frank Slifka of Bradenville. After the unexpected passing of his mother when he was five, he spent time in Bradenville with his father, brother, and sister. He was also frequently welcomed into the home of his Aunt Vern Harshell and her family in Peanut. Rick was a proud graduate of Derry Area High School and went on to earn his degree in electrical engineering from Penn State in New Kensington. For most of his career, he was employed by Allegheny Ludlum (ATI) in various locations in Western Pennsylvania. He was privileged to have mentored numerous young engineers in their development. Rich was passionate about almost everything he did, and work was no exception. He was driven by the pursuit of excellence but even more so motivated to create the safest work environment for all employees. Rich eventually left ATI in pursuit of more challenges. Beyond work, Rick was devoted to his family. Whether it was hanging out with his father Frank, visiting his brother Dave or conversing with his sister Kathy, he remained close with his family his entire life. He and Carol made a great home for their children, Sarah and Emily, on Pizza Barn Road. Other than exceptional family vacations to Sanibel, Florida, Rick was content to be at home. Rick enjoyed intense bike rides, listening to music, and the occasional round of golf. Although he had a high handicap, he was proud to have recorded a hole-in one on number twelve at Chestnut Ridge. Rick was an animal lover who cared for the many animals his daughters brought home, especially Willie, Lucy, and Bella. Regardless of the weather, he enjoyed walking with them in the woods and on Greenthumb Road. Rick was proud to have raised two incredible daughters. He was pleased that they each married great men and provided him with grandchildren. Their time spent with Pap was a sweet routine, starting with dilly bars and ending with him asking who's the best kids', always eliciting a gleeful listed reply from the grandkids that put a smile on his face. All of them were at his bedside during his illness. That was a significant comfort to him. Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa (Gera) Slifka; father, Frank Slifka; and his beloved sister, Kathy (Slifka) Kachik; in addition to his father-in-law, Al Bollinger; and his mother-in-law, Jan Bollinger. He is survived by his daughters, Sarah Christopher (Phil) and Emily Hollobaugh (Ben); and their mother, Carol Slifka; grandchildren, Henry and Edie Christopher and Miles Hollobaugh; older brother, David Slifka (Vonnie); brother-in-law, Larry Kachik; many nieces and nephews; and his close friends, Elder and Billy. The family would like to acknowledge the professional and compassionate care provided to Rick by the oncology department at Forbes Regional Medical Center. Donations to honor Richard can be made to Action for Animals, P.O. Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650. Funeral arrangements were handled by LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME, LLC. A Mass to celebrate Rick's life was held at St. Rose Church. Burial arrangements are private at Rick's request. We imagine many of Rick's family members and friends would like to send condolences. Along with any condolences, we would ask you to include your favorite story or memory. We'd like to honor him with a book containing these stories. He cherished his time with his friends and family above all else. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.