Richard Johann Strauss Del Signore

On the evening of August 2nd, 2024, Richard Johann Strauss Del Signore passed away peacefully at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest and Anthony, and his parents, Mary (Hatalovich from Blaine Hill) Del Signore, and Antonio Del Signore. He is survived by his youngest brother Ramon, four first cousins, eight nieces and nephews, and much extended family.

Richard was born on December 17, 1926, in McKeesport PA, and grew up in the Grandview area. His immediate family consisted of four brothers and their parents. His father Antonio Del Signore, who immigrated from Abruzzi, Italy, died in 1933 as the result of an accident at the Penn McKee Hotel in McKeesport, where he was employed as a chef. His tragic death at the height of the Great Depression left the four boys and their mother on their own, but not penniless. Antonio’s foresight to have life insurance allowed the young family to keep their home and move forward. Richard and his three brothers worked hard along with their mother, to make ends meet and keep the family together as they went through school and attended church at McKeesport’s First Methodist Church. 

When Richard turned eighteen, he joined the US Army and served overseas in the Philippines at the end of WWII. Life after the war included employment with Gulf Oil in Houston Texas, and many years with Hilton Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. In his later years, Richard lived quietly with his brother Ramon in their original Grandview home in McKeesport.

There will be no visitation. Internment with Military Honors will be held at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies (1158 Morgan Rd, Bridgeville, PA) on August 12, 2024 at 10:30 am. All who would like to pay their respects are invited to attend. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomreandcrematory.com