Anthony Stuczynski

Anthony “Rick” Richard Stuczynski, 62, went home to Heaven on March 2, 2024.

Rick was born on June 10, 1961, in Erie, Pennsylvania to Richard “Dick” M. and Kathleen (Jares) Stuczynski. Rick grew up in Greene Township and loved his childhood out in the country. The Stu siblings ruled the neighborhood as they rode bikes until dark, built snow forts and were perfect children attending St. Boniface Parish (wink!) The Stuczynski family then moved to Girard, where Rick quickly made friends and found his home within the music department. Whether playing in the band, singing in district choir, or performing on the stage as the lead in many plays, Ricky shone. He also formed a band with his friends and his parents were delighted to find that all band practices would be taking place at the Stu house! Rick was a good son and a phenomenal big brother. Rick graduated from Girard High School in 1979. Upon graduation, he worked at The Cosmopolite. He had such a way with words, and made stories come alive!

Rick met his soulmate and the love of his life, Pamela “Pammy” Priestap in the Erie Playhouse production of South Pacific. Rick and Pam got married on February 14, 1981. Shortly after, Rick enlisted in the United States Navy and spent four years overseas exploring the world. Then he came home to be with his growing family. Pam and Rick had five children together. Rick worked hard to provide for his family, and still somehow found the time to construct a backyard fort for the kids, play hockey games in the driveway and take an infamous 3 day car trip to Disney World! His children also always looked forward to “payday,” when Dad would bring home bags of treats for each of them and let them take turns driving the car up the road. While not at work, Rick started attending night school. For many years he would work during the day and then head straight to school. Rick dedicated himself to his program, and earned an MBA in Business Administration from Gannon University. His family was so proud of him for this accomplishment!

Rick adored Jesus and especially loved to talk about the biblical heroes in the Old Testament. He eventually went on to have a second career as a pastor. Those who heard him preach note that there was not another pastor who could speak from the heart and captivate the congregation quite like Pastor Rick. It was his gift and he used it well. When grandkids came along, Rick became “Grampy.” Grampy loved to entertain his grandchildren with boxing matches in the living room and stories from his childhood, and then fill up their bowls with candy. Ten minutes later the loud sighing would begin, as he wondered why the kids were acting so crazy! Oh Grampy, your grandchildren will forever miss you, “partner, buddy, and pal.”

In addition to his family, Rick loved music. He had the gift of being able to play any song he heard by ear. Rick would pick up one of his guitars (probably the Martin) and play love songs to Pam or collaborate on songs with his children. He loved playing music with the family or on the worship team at church. Rick was also an avid reader, whether he was reading and studying the Bible, reading history books, or reading Conan the Barbarian comics. He was always learning new things. His favorite time of the year was when he could watch the Pirates, Indians, or the Penguins, and his most stressful time of year was when he was watching the Browns. He was an avid sports fan, something that he picked up from his Dad. He also loved fall and Halloween the most! When Rick was younger, he saw the world and had many adventures. When recently asked what place would make him the happiest to travel, Rick replied that his favorite place was his spot on the couch watching ESPN. He also went out of his way to make his wife happy by taking her on many grand antiquing adventures. At one point there were five antique

stoves in the dining room. Rick worked hard to make Pam happy, especially during the hard years of her cancer battle. He was a driven, goal-oriented individual who loved to run companies and work too many hours. In his own words, “That’s what I do best.”

Rick is survived by his parents, Richard and Kathleen Stuczynski; his children Heather (Doug) Eaton, Claire (Rachel Graden) Stuczynski, Phil (Nicolena) Stuczynski, Tom (Elysa) Stuczynski, and Joe (Zach Jones) Stuczynski. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emmett, Elijah, and Emelia Eaton; Lonan and Finlo Stuczynski; Haylen and Maximus Stuczynski; and Hailey (Hayden Wilbur) and Jason Reams. Rick’s surviving siblings include Julie (Del) Freedline, Laurie (Rick) Rickgauer, and Mary Beth (Doug) Dickey. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Bunny Priestap, as well as his sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Rose (Priestap) Stuczynski and his grandson, Lucius Stuczynski. Ricky was a great man, and he will be sorely missed.

Friends may call on Friday from 3-7pm at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard and are invited to funeral services on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00am.