GIRARD - Dr. E. Richard Criscione, Ph.D., 63, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 20, 2012, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on Aug. 13, 1948, in Girard, a son of the late Joseph G. and Mary R. Vince Criscione.
Richard's true calling was teaching. His passion for knowledge and desire to share it led him to an early retirement from General Electric after 22 years of service. He pursued a career as a college professor, teaching at Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., and Western New Mexico University in Silver City, N.M.
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In 1992, he received a Master of Science degree from James Madison University. He also earned a Master in Taxation (2000) from Old Dominion University and a Doctorate of Philosophy (2008) from the University of Mississippi.
Richard was as dedicated to his family as he was to teaching. He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, his children and all those he loved.
His Catholic faith was central to his life and was evident in how he lived. He lived every moment, laughed every day and loved beyond words.
Richard leaves his loving former wife, Margaret Criscione of Charlottesville,Va.; his three children, Shawn Criscione of Vista, Calif., Jeffrey (Andrea) Criscione of Elkton, Va., and Timothy Criscione of Wilmington, Del.; three grandchildren, Rylan Criscione, Fionn Criscione and Jacob Criscione; one brother, Joseph (Rita) Criscione of Girard; and a brother-in-law, Anthony Crish of Youngstown. He also leaves a multitude of nieces and nephews to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by two sisters, Esther M. Crish and Jeannine P. Crish.
Those wishing to visit and commemorate Richard's life may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Rose Church in Girard. There will be a prayer service at 12:30 p.m. on Monday at the McClurkin Funeral Home, prior to the church Mass at St. Rose.
Richard's entire family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated staff at Hospice of the Valley.
The family is also asking that donations of any kind be made directly to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44410, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital by calling 1-800-805-5856 or by visiting www.stjude.org.
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