Richard Joseph “Rich” Scharf, 39, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 8:26 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at his home. He was born on January 31, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, cherished son of Margaret Mary “Peggy” (McMeel) Scharf of Granite City and the late Richard L. Scharf. He worked at New Opportunities and loved being a dedicated member working in the beads workshop. He was also an active member of the Tri-Cities Area Association for the Handicapped and a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and St. Louis Blues Hockey and had participated throughout the years with Special Olympics and was a part of the State Championship bowling team. He loved bowling, working word puzzles, taking rides with his mom, Marvel characters, Transformers and watching movies. He will be remembered for his loving personality, beautiful smile and the love and special times shared with his family and many friends. In addition to his beloved mom, he is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia Ruth and Michael Horn of Ellisville, Missouri; cousin, Helen Fitzgerald of Shreveport, Louisiana; special friends, Charlotte Dilday, Martha Pasquier and Dorothy Troudt and his New Opportunities and TCAAH families; and other extended family and friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bernadine McMeel.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City at 1:00 p.m. with Father Alfred Tumwesigye as celebrant. Interment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to TCAAH, New Opportunities or to masses and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com
