Johnstown, PA - was born in the winter of 1930 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the respected Mayer-Stephens and Ellis-Walters families. He proudly continued his family's long tradition of service to the community. His ancestors helped establish many of Johnstown's cornerstone institutions, including the city's largest bank, newspaper, electric company, and hospital. Following in their footsteps, Richard became the founding organizer of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy. In his quiet way, he was very effective: Community Foundation's socio-economic impact on the community has been immense: nearly $300 million in gifts and more than $200 million in grants and distributions. The CVC has restored the natural beauty and water quality of the area's rivers and streams. The middle portion of the West Penn Trail (between the Conemaugh River Lake and Saltsburg) bears his name. Continuing the family's commitment to medicine and public service, Richard served on the board of Conemaugh Memorial Hospital, where a bronze plaque honors his grandfather's contribution to rebuilding the hospital after the 1889 Johnstown Flood. The Stephens family of Indiana County were farmers, and they inspired Richard's lifelong interest in gardening and wildlife conservation. From the Ellis family, he inherited a respect for journalism that led to his 25-year tenure managing The Tribune-Democrat. The Walters side nurtured his love of travel—his passport eventually held stamps from 78 countries, as well as visits to both the North Pole and Antarctica. Richard was blessed with good fortune in life and love. His first wife, Joan, was his steadfast partner for 20 years, and Connie lovingly shared the next 50 years of his life. He often said he was lucky in choosing both his wives. Richard and Joan had three children: Ricky, who died with his mother in a tragic plane crash at the Johnstown Airport; and two daughters, Pam and Debbie, both retired attorneys who survive their father. Connie brought two sons, Mike and David, into the family when they married in 1975. David was killed in an automobile accident while serving in the U.S. Army, and Michael now runs his own company as an NSA contractor. In retirement, Dick enjoyed golf, especially traveling with Mike to play in Scotland and Ireland. He was proud to have scored a hole-in-one at Summit Country Club and to have shot his age at both 85 and 88. He and Connie spent many winters in the San Diego area, driving cross-country to follow bird and butterfly migrations—heading west in the fall and returning east each spring. In 2017, they visited Teddy Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, completing their visits to all 50 states. Though Dick traveled the world, Johnstown was always his home. Despite his many accomplishments, Richard remained a humble man who treated every person he met, from the Oval Office to the janitor station, with dignity and respect. At Richard's request, there will be no viewing or visitation. Instead of gathering in mourning, please celebrate his life by paying forward the kindness and generosity he showed to others. In lieu of sending flowers, please plant some. He was passionate about protecting the environment, preserving the city's history, and ensuring a good quality of life for future generations. Those who share his love for Johnstown may wish to make a donation to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 216 Franklin St., Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901, or to a charity of your choice. John Henderson Company Funeral Home is serving the Mayer family.