Richard J. "Dick" Premec

YOUNGSTOWN - Richard J. "Dick" Premec, 83, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, Oct. 20, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born July, 27, 1935, in Youngstown, a son of the late Stephen S. and Katherine Bachani Premec.

He was a 1953 graduate of East High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. In his younger years Richard worked at Republic Steel, and in 1960 began his career with the Youngstown Fire Department where he worked for 32 years, retiring as Captain in 1992. He was also the owner of Youngstown Fire & Safety for over 20 years.

Richard was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown for over 50 years, and would volunteer regularly at the annual parish festival. He was a member of Firefighters’ Union Local No. 312, a board member of the Youngstown Firefighters Credit Union, a member of Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, and a member of St. George Croatian Lodge No. 66.

He was an avid golfer, a former member of Tippecanoe Country Club, and took up the craft of making and refinishing golf clubs. Dick also had a love for music and was a member of the Od Srca Tamburitzans.

Richard spent his life helping others. Whether it was a stranger in need, a neighbor, friend or relative, he would always be there for support and to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita Hutira Premec, whom he married Feb. 11, 1961, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Youngstown. He is also survived by children, Richard J. Jr. (Kerry) Premec of Kentucky, Robert Premec of Youngstown, Larry (Cindi) Premec of Canfield, Mary Rita Premec of New Middletown, and John (Tracy) Premec of Dublin; grandchildren, Paige (Patrick) Francisco, Robert Jr. (Taylor) Premec, Stephen, Kelsey and Luke Davis, Jackie and Nick Serra, and Tabitha and Stephanie Granchay; great-grandchildren, Landon and Mackenzie; sisters, Dr. Bonnie (Don) Dean, JoAnn (Bob) Spay, and Francie (Ted) Barwinski; and a brother, Donald Muzenic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Adam, brothers Stephen R., Charles, John and Stephen J. Premec, and sisters Darlene Muzenic and Margaret Korchnak.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, Oct. 23, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the funeral home and will continue at St. Christine Church on South Schenley Avenue in Youngstown where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Richard's family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Parkinson's Foundation, in care of the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.