Richard Michael Vance lived an ordinary life with an extraordinary impact on those around him. A Pittsburgh native, Rick was a die hard Steelers fan and shared that love with his family, passing down a passion for sports to his children. He welcomed the rivalries between his children’s favorite teams and his, often placing friendly wagers on the outcomes of games. He spent his children’s childhoods coaching their teams or supporting them from the sidelines of their various sports. On any given day you’d find him at the ball field watching baseball or football games, sidelines at wrestling or basketball or even running the press box for the high school baseball program or American Legion Post 47 summer baseball team. Former players of his and friends of his children fondly refer to him as “The Rick” which, to this day, is uttered with deep respect. This tradition continued into his grandchildren’s time in all their myriad activities where he was frequently a fixture. He was happiest surrounded by family, enjoying sports on TV or in person with a cold beer and a good meal.

 He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Susan Buffa Vance, his five children: Peter (Tina), David (Destinee), Richard, Amanda (William) and James (Andrea); ten grandchildren: Christopher, Austen, Adrian, Savannah, Haley, Selena, Evie, Samantha, Jaye and Vivienne, his four great-grandchildren: Lydia, Gracie, Rowan and Weston, his three sisters Janice, Sandi and Shari, his maternal Aunt Katherine and many cousins and beloved friends. We are heartbroken that his death preceded the birth of his twin great-granddaughters in July.

 Though dementia threatened to remove the man we all knew and loved, his strength and grit fought back against the progression of the disease as long as his body would allow. He was seen enjoying the movie, “The Notebook” while holding his wife, Susan‘s, hand only days before his passing. His death will leave a hole in the fabric of our family but we take comfort in knowing he is free from pain, and the anchor of dementia has been removed. He has gone home to the Lord to be reunited with his beloved mother (who preceded him in death by a few short weeks) and we know he will be watching over us along the way. In our sadness, we remember the quote: “Grief is the last act of love we have to give those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”