Richard Caldwell Glass

Richard Caldwell Glass of Canonsburg, PA passed away suddenly of COVID on November 18, 2021. Rich was born February 4, 1939, in Wheeling "Almost Heaven" West Virginia, the only – and adored – child of Lois and Harold Glass. He lived on a 162 acre farm until he was 13, until his dad suddenly died after a car accident. When Lois had to sell their land and go to work as a secretary, she made the decision to have Richie attend Linsly Military Institute. His father's death, and Linsly, had a big impact on his life. Rich went on to graduate from Triadelphia High School, and then studied at WVU where he very much enjoyed working as a busboy in the girls' cafeteria, and also happened to earn a BS in business. He served in the Army for four years during Vietnam, then landed the most super spectacular job ever – a Naval Intelligence Specialist. That job led to a storied stint as a Postal Inspector for the USPS. Rich had the cool job. He had the cool apartment. He had a parakeet that pooped all over his cool apartment. The only thing missing was the cool girl. Of course, his mom just happened to know a certain, single, young secretary. Richard married Merry Meissner on November 25, 1967. Soon after, he quit the fab-but-risky-gun-toting life and switched tracks within the USPS, going into a finance career. He Made Choices. Merry and R.C. Glass had two girls: Amy and Kristen. And they lived in Canton-Dover-Charleston-Huntington-Erie-Pittsburgh-Erie-Pinehurst+Pittsburgh. In 1993, Dick very reluctantly retired from his position as Postmaster in Erie, PA, and was soon recruited for a "retirement" gig doing military background investigations. He loved animals, especially Fawn, Clancy, and Samantha Lynn. He established and ran neighborhood crime watches. He played and coached basketball. He was a fan of Buck Owens, George Jones, Jerry West, John Wayne, karaoke, Tic Tacs, and baked beans. He sang – loudly and a lot. He attended church almost every Sunday. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and fishing, and wasn't even afraid of hellgrammites. He had a temper. He was a leader. He was a human compass. He made many maps. He wrote many notes. He made SPAM with melted Velveeta after church. He showed up at his daughter's high school parties and told everyone to go home. He was a talker. He told so many stories. He was silly. He was funny. He was a really good golfer. He loved Fudley. He never got his back against the wall. He was father-in-law to Michael and James, and Grandpa Duke to Mia, Olivia, Kathryn, and William. And he will be so greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Tribute Donation in his name to the Washington Area Humane Society at washingtonpashelter.org. The memorial service will be private.