Richard Oscar Hommel
HOMMEL: On Sept. 28, 2026, Richard Oscar Hommel officially retired from life. Against his wishes, we, his family, are writing an obituary, more for us than for him. Born in Pittsburgh on Dec. 17, 1938, to the late Marion Louise and Ernest Hommel, the older brother of the late Eda Hommel Cowan (Mort). Richard graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and Alfred University, without high honors. He served in the Army Reserves. After graduating college, he went to work for the Caloric Corporation before joining the O. Hommel Company. Following his father’s death, Richard became the third-generation president until the sale of the company in 1989. Richard served on several boards only to challenge the other members. He was an officer of the American Ceramics Society and the Classic Car Club of Pittsburgh. He served on Mt. Lebanon’s Board and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Aside from his wonderful family, Richard’s loves were collecting and working on antique cars, verified by all of the grease on his clothes, traveling and testing out bathrooms throughout the world, exercising, playing cards and helping others. Richard was a generous person. He plowed snow for charity, knocking over only one mailbox, repairing friends’ homes even if they had to hire people to repair his handiwork, and many other kind gestures. Richard leaves behind his “trophy wife” of 57 years, Susan Silverman Hommel, his “mini me” Jonathan Hommel, his “favorite child” Rikki Hommel and favorite son-in-law, David Weisberg, the joys of his life, Marti and Ozzy Weisberg, sisters and brothers-in-law Aileen and Harold Zofcin, Steve and Lisa Silverman, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Richard’s larger than life persona, generosity, stubbornness and trademark sense of humor will not be forgotten. His family and friends will remember him with a smile and love in their hearts. Donations may be made to Temple Emanuel of South Hills, 1250 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. PJC
comments