Gerald Edward Chait
CHAIT: Gerald Edward Chait, on June 3, 2023. Born Jan. 9, 1946. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Richey Chait, son Benjamin Milton Chait and his husband Agostino Guerra, and by his daughter Hanna Richey Chait. He is also survived by his nephew William P. Meehan Jr. (Alyssa Vance Meehan); niece, Sarah Meehan Parker (Stanly Joel Parker) and their son Davis William Parker; sister-in-law Clare Richey Meehan (William P. Meehan Sr.); brothers-in-law, John Randolph Richey (JoAnne Kovalish Richey) and James Matthew Richey (Donna Nudo Richey); and cousin Jack Krongold (Eleanor Krongold) and cousin Leslie Krongold (Jessica Nussbaum).
Gerald was born in Highland Park, Pennsylvania, the son of Milton and Jean Chait (née Mashbitz). Gerald was a proud graduate of Peabody High School and went on to receive his B.A. in philosophy from Cornell University in 1974. Always a thoughtful leader with an innovative mind for business, he was a partner of Giant Eagle, Inc. and served on its board for 30 years. He married his lifelong partner, his wife, Barbara Richey Chait, on July 20, 1990, and they went on to have two children. In his free time, Gerald most enjoyed riding around his favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, sharing stories of his childhood and remarking on how things have changed, often with Steve Miller Band’s “Living in the USA” blasting from the car stereo. He was a passionate philanthropist, giving much of his time and resources to local charities in Pittsburgh, and championing Jewish causes and diabetic research initiatives. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning at his home, holding on to his son’s hand. Family and community were most important to him, and he clearly made the world a better place with his kind spirit and generosity. Gerald will always be remembered for his quiet benevolence. Services and interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, and the American Diabetes Association, 100 West Station Square Drive, #1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com PJC
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