Richard R. Makovec

STRUTHERS - Richard R. Makovec, 87, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Maplecrest Nursing Home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on July 24, 1937, in Youngstown, OH, Richard lived a life marked by his faith, hard work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to his family.

Growing up, Richard was involved in several sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. He particularly enjoyed his positions as tackle and tight-end during his high school years, graduating from Struthers High School in 1956. Shortly after, Richard enlisted in the Army National Guard obtaining badges for Rifle Marksman training and Sharpshooting before being honorably discharged in December of 1960. He spent three additional years in the Army Reserve while beginning his work career and was honorably discharged in 1963.

After his time in the Army National Guard, Richard continued his training and education. He received a 1st class license and multiple certifications for stationary engineering and worked in this field for over 40 years. He spent 32 years in the steel industry at Youngstown Sheet and Tube (LTV Corporation / J&L Steel), where he received extensive training in the operation of boilers, turbines, and many other high level operations. For the last 13 years of his career, he worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown within the same field, retiring at the age of 65.

An individual of high integrity and steadfastness, Richard was soft-spoken yet firm in his principles. He believed that family always came first and instilled these values in his loved ones. His humble personality and dependable nature were cherished by those around him.

Throughout his life, he remained an avid sports enthusiast, taking great pleasure in visiting his grandson in Texas to support him during his athletic games. Richard's love for all sports, especially The Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, and Guardians, was rivaled only by his passion and heartfelt enjoyment of polka music and dancing. These hobbies brought him joy and allowed him to share many memorable moments with family and friends including a variety of beach travels. Hawaii, Aruba, Punta Cana and Caribbean cruise trips marked many special times together.

Richard married his beloved wife, Irene (Chmara) Makovec, on October 20, 1962. Their love story began with a honeymoon at the iconic Fontainebleau in Miami, and together they built a family that included daughters Andrea (Tom Orsini) Keener of Boardman, OH, and Janice (Anthony) Rolfi of Dallas, TX. He also leaves behind his only grandson, Nicholas Anthony Rolfi. His love for family was evident in everything he did, always prioritizing their happiness and well-being.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Makovec and Helen (Furman) Makovec, as well as his in-laws Walter and Anna (Labedz) Chmara.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church, located at 915 Cornell St, Youngstown, OH 44502, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.

The family requests that material donations be made to a charity of the individual's choice or to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church in Youngstown.

Richard's family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff at Maplecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation for their extraordinary love and care during Richard's stay. The family also wants to thank the Compassionate Care Hospice team for their loving support bestowed upon Richard and his family during his final days.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.