Richard T. "Rich" Perrotte

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Thomas Perrotte Sr. announces his passing on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 82 years old, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Richard was the loving husband of Nancy (Reutter) Perrotte; father of Richard Perrotte Jr. (Mary), Frank Perrotte (Lynn), Tina Hamm (Ron), and Gary Perrotte (Carol); son of the late Frank Perrotte Sr. and Elizabeth (Narcisi) Perrotte; brother of the late Dominic Perrotte (Bernadette), Rosella Dudley (late John), Dolores Fabec (late Joseph), John Perrotte (late Betty), Yolanda Lightner (Edward), Connie Kengerski (late Edward), Frank Perrotte Jr. (Marlene), late Raymond Perrotte (surv. Maryann), and Linda Brown (surv. James); grandfather of Brittany Perrotte, Amanda Perrotte-Denio (John), Corey Perrotte, Alex Leonard (Matt), and Isabella Hamm; great-grandfather of Sophia Denio; and a much-loved cousin, uncle and friend to many.

Rich was born on March 1, 1942 in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh to Frank and Elizabeth Perrotte, where he was raised along with his nine beloved siblings. Rich attended elementary school at St. Joseph’s in Sharpsburg, where he excelled in the spelling bees. He later attended Washington Vocational High School.

Rich married his wife, Nancy, in 1963, with whom he raised their twin boys, daughter and youngest son. Rich loved working with his hands and grew this passion into a successful family furniture business that he started with Nancy. His courage and work ethic were driven by a love of family, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that his four children and their families would have what they needed to be successful. Even through his retirement, Rich kept busy at the building he and his wife owned together in the Strip District, taking pride in the many improvements they made to the property.

Outside of work, Rich loved singing and spending time with his family, which he continued to enjoy through his final days. In his younger years, he sang in a group with his brothers around Pittsburgh. He was also very fond of attending all of his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and performances over the years, hardly ever missing an event. He was an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather, and his family will always remember him as someone who loved to make them laugh with his “pap-pap” jokes, gave selflessly for their benefit, and always reassured them that everything would work out for the best. He said, “You can’t live forever,” but he will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Services and Interment were Private. For those who wish to honor Rich’s life, the family suggests a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: https://pancan.org/. Arrangements made by Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.