Paul G Richey
August 29, 1969 ~ January 13, 2010
*Paul G. Richey* Paul G. Richey, 40, of 183 Doerr Road, Sandycreek Township, was killed in the line of duty late Wednesday morning, January 13, 2010. Paul was born August 29, 1969 in Franklin to his loving parents Clinton (Sam) and Nancy Garmong Richey. Paul was married August 6, 1994 to his devoted wife Carrie Cornell who survives. He was the proud father of two beautiful children Conner age 9 and Catherine age 6 who survive. He was actively involved with his children and helped with his son's Cub Scout Troop and coached his little league team. He considered his wife and children his universe. Paul graduated from Franklin High School in 1988 and from Edinboro University with a BS degree in Criminal Justice/History in 1993. He graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey on November 10, 1993 and was then assigned to Troop F in Milton. He transferred to Troop E in Corry on October 19, 1996, and then to the Franklin Station on May 17, 1997. He was a member of the Swanson Memorial Lodge #48 Fraternal Order of Police. Paul was raised in the East Grove United Methodist Church. He was presently an active member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin where he helped teach Junior Church and was a member of the SPRIGS and Gateway Sunday School Classes. Paul came from a very large close-knit extended family. He was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. He considered his father his best friend. A day did not pass that he did not call or visit his parents. Paul is also survived by a loving sister, Melissa Richey Slack and her husband Van of Roseville, OH and their daughters Abigail and Hannah. Paul was an avid sportsman and loved spending time hunting and fishing with his family. He cherished his family summer vacations to the beach, trips to Canada, and family picnics. In addition to his parents, wife, children and sister he is survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rich and Candy Cornell of Seneca; his brothers-in-law, Don Cornell and Thomas Cornell and his fiancee, Erica Schratz, all of Oil City; Niece, Hailey Cornell of Oil City; and Nephews, Bryce Cornell, Hunter Cornell, and Deluca Schratz. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfathers Clint Richey and Floyd Findlay and paternal grandmother Irene Richey Findlay, maternal grandparents Paul Garmong and Olan Flickner and maternal grandmother Bonnie Garmong Flickner. Friends and family may call from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, at the Franklin High School Auditorium, with Rev. David Janz, presiding. Memorial Donations may be made to Christ United Methodist and/or East Grove United Methodist Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com
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As a retired State Policeman and the Father of an active Trooper, I can’t imagine your grief. My sincerest sympathy and condolences go out to the Richey family. Blessed are the Peacemakers and God Bless Paul.
Dear Family,
My name is Eugene Casasanta and I live in Sheffield Pa. (Warren County) I am a retired Statie and have been so for about 15 years. I just want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this dark hour of your life.
May God Bless you,
Eugene P. Casasanta
Although I do not know Trooper Richey or his family, I send my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Richey and the entire family. My heart aches for your sorrow. I have the utmost respect for the PA State Police and your husband who was trying to save another person from harm. May God Bless you all.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless
I did not know Trooper Richey but my father was a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper and my heart and sympathy goes out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
we did not know you but you will be in our memory&your family.u will be sadly missed bye everyone
ONE OF OUR BROTHERS HAS FALLEN….WE WILL BE THERE FOR HIS FINAL TOUR…..WE ARE PRAYING FOR HIS FAMILY…IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO, PLEASE CALL UPON US…..STAFF OF SCI FOREST.
Even though I do not know you, I wish that I could tell your family that I love you and that the hope in my heart will be that Christ’s love will edure and comfort your family and friends for the loss of a husband, friend, hero, and brother that will truly be remembered and missed greatly.
In Christ’s Love__Jami
While I did not know your husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, my heart and prayers go out to you. May you be comforted by the memory of his love and bravery.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Trooper Richey is and will always be a true hero to many. May you find strength in God to help you thru this diffucult time.
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your beloved family.
With Love,
Shelly and Scott Stahl
I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you and God be with you in the days ahead. Many thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carrie my thoughts and prayers are with you.
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to Melissa and Van and her entire family. Our prayers are with you all.
We are praying for you all during this time of incredible saddness. May God bring comfort, peace, and hope to you and the knowledge of His love. We are just do sorry for this loss.
(Friends of Van and Melissa)
May the strength of family and friends guide you through this time of sorrow.
Rick L. Baker
*former Chief of Police/Sugarcreek Borough
Although I didn’t know Trooper Richey, I’m offering most sincere condolences to his wife, chidren, family and co-workers. May God comfort & guide you in this time of great sadness. God Bless you all.
To the family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers of Trooper Paul Ritchey – There are no words that can help ease your loss. Please know that our hearts reach out to you in sympathy and prayer.
Paul would say to me “Jeff, how’s the fleet lookin ? I would say shaky. They’re all Fords.” We would LOL.
May you find some peace and comfort in God’s promise of eternal life.
Jeff & Cammy Shreffler
Jeff’s Auto Service
Wanted to let you know that you and famiy are in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless you with great memories of Paul and may those memories bring you peace.
Carrie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your and Paul’s family are in my prayers. May the Lord comfort you.
As a retired member is the Pennsylvania State Police, I am extremely saddened by the tragic and senseless death of Trooper Richey. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolences on his passing. All of us who have served, deeply understand your grief at this time. He will never be forgotten.
Our sympathy to the Richey family.
To the Richey and Cornell Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! We don’t always understand exactly why things happen the way that they do, but God, Faith, Family and good friends will bring you through this very tough time. I know Paul was a great man, he took after his Father! If their is anything I can ever do or help with, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
A Friend for you, Terry DeLong
Dear Sam and Nancy,we are so sorry for the loss of your son Paul. We know how very proud of Paul you are! May God be with you and your family at this time of horrific loss!
Carrie, Conner & Catherine,
Joe and I are at a loss for words… We wanted to let you and your families that you have been and will be in our thoughts and prayers… NO ONE should ever have to endure the pain you are going through.. But know that you are very loved and respected by all that have ever met you… Let people do for you as you are ALWAYS the first to do for everyone else!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul when Joe’s mother passed away and I can remember thinking.. Wow, what a husband she has.. to bring food to our home and be supportive. I knew that you were very special because rarely does my husband point out individuals at the school.. but he has often commented on the wonderful person that you are… you had to have wonderful people surrounding you to become the person you are.. let those that love you take care of you and support you now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers throughout the following few days… God grant you the strength to be strong ….. Take care of yourself and we will be praying…
Love,
Joe and Deb Carrico & Family
Melissa & family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. Just know that your Rolling Plains family is praying for you. We love you and know how you must be hurting. God is with you, as are we.
Roy and Shelba
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Richey family. I knew Paul from Edinboro, and lived with Melissa. Paul is a true hero, and somebody that his family can truly be proud of. Again, my deepest sympathy.
Your friends at Rolling Plains Church are praying for you and hurting along with you. We will continue to pray for all of you as you grieve, and celebrate, Paul’s life.
We are so sorry for your loss…He will surely be missed by all that knew him..
Dear Richey family
I didn’t know Tropper Richey but worked a brief time with Melissa. I can’t even begin to understand what you are going through now and will for a long time. I just want to say how sorry I’m for your loss and know the memories of your beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle,etc will be in your hearts forever.
May God Bless
Rolling Plains UMC in Zanesville is praying for your family during this difficult time. We are praying peace and comfort. We are Melissa and Van’s church.
Pastor Brian Law
We were so very sorry that this happened to your family. I talked to Paul on Tuesday and he was always such a friendly and upbeat person. Our hearts are heavy that your family and this community had to lose such a special person to a senseless act.
We hope that your fond memories and the love of family and friends can help you through this time and take comfort in knowing that he has now gone home to be with the Lord.
Melissa, Van and family, We are so sorry for your loss. I know words cannot comfort you during this time of sorrow but your faith will. Know that God has a plan for all of us and one day we will all be reunited with those we loved and lost. If you need anything while you are in Pittsburgh please let me know. God bless you, Lori Kane Seiler and family
Our heartfelt condolences to your family on your tragic loss. The community and state shares in your grief as we have lost a guardian of character and strength. We know your grief is unfathomable. Please know you are in our prayers and daily thoughts.
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family. I had the privilage of working with Paul for 8 short months, I am sure he will be missed being seen on our office at the Magisterial Court in Franklin.
Our prayers go out to this hero’s wife and children. Know that you are a part of the PSP family forever.
May God bless TFC Paul Richey, his family and loved ones, and his PSP family. I retired from PSP Meadville less than a year ago. I did not know Paul, but I did work with Tpr. Whitman. I hope you find peace and comfort soon. We are all eternally grateful and proud of Paul’s dedicated service to the commonwealth. His memory and sacrifice will be forever remembered by those of us in the PSP family, active and retired.
Sam, Nancy, Melissa, family, friends and coworkers~ My heart aches for you at this time and you have my deepest sympathy.
I will continue to keep you in prayer and pray that your memories and faith see you through each day.
As an EMT (& my husband a firefighter) I understand the sacrifices made, Please know that Paul’s service was greatly appreciated. James Hughes wrote “My heart will feel exulant pride That for humanity he died.”
Sincerely, Rita (Hill) Stadler
You are a hero. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made in trying to save this lady. Our hearts go out to your family at this time of sorrow. The Novak Family (Cecil, PA)
Paul was one of the most kind, witty and generally all-around good guys I have ever known. He touched so many lives. He will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family!
There are no words to express my feelings, but I am thinking about you and sending you my prayers. God Bless you and your family
Good Evening! We do not know you personally. But, we are thinking of you all and praying for you at this difficult time. Please know that many, many good people care about you all and are praying for you all. May God’s grace sustain you all and provide comfort, peace, and strength. Thank you!
May you find comfort in the arms of the angels, as your son and husband Paul has. I am very sorry for your loss,but thank you to Paul for trying to keep people safe. Peace be with you. Rose White
Our hearts go out to your family in this trying time. Your family is in our prayers. God bless you.
Our deepest sympathy for your great loss.
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul was a great man and a kind and giving person.
We’ll miss him dearly.
To the Richey family our prayers go out to each of you, especially to his wife and 2 children. The area has lost a great police office, father and husband.
God Bless
Nancy,Sam, Carrie and all the Richey family.Words cannot express how heart broken we all are. Paul was a hero to many and served us well. God, will look after all of you and ask for his support. He has a way of making things easier for us all.
Our Love & Prayers to all of you, Jan, Sue, Helen Keller & family
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to your family.Patrick Egros Rostraver Twp. Commissioner,Trooper Patrick Egros Jr.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family. In this time of sorrow.
Dear Nancy and Sam,
I don’t know if you remember me, but I taught with you (Nancy) at Central back in the late 60s. You were always a favorite person of mine and I’ve thought of you many times over the years. I remember when Paul was born and coming to your house on 7th St. to see him. He was a beautiful baby and obviously a fine young man. His death is an incredible tragedy and please know my heart truly aches with yours.
Love and sympathy to you all,
Julie Bushnell
Carrie,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
To the Richey family our deepest condolences on the loss of your son, brother, husband, and father. Our prayers are with you. Frank and Gloria Judy
Nancy & Family,
Im am so sorry for your loss. My heart & prayers are with you. God Bless you. If there is anything I can do I live in the same house.
Love Carole Richards Bender
We are so very sorry for the loss of Paul. Our hearts break for you and we keep you in our prayers, asking God’s peace, strength and comfort for you at this time. Kay and Larry Miller
I do not know any of you. However, I want to tell you that this tragedy weighs heavy on my heart and I just can’t imagine how you must feel. As you go today to lay to rest your loved one, you need only to remember that God loves all of you and through Him you will find the strength to go forward with your lives. He has many people praying for all of you and He is in control of your future. It sounds as though you have a great circle of friends and that you will have many fond memories of a fine man. I’m sure it goes without saying that you are very proud of what Paul accomplished while on this earth and may God now use him in even a greater way. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and I know you will eventually find peace.
To the Richey family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am a police communications operator for the State Police. I am praying for you at this sad time. May god heal your pain.
To the Richey & Cornell family,I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. I grew up with Paul and he was a great friend whom I will never forget.
Our deepest sympathy.
We will pray for you all.
Patrick K. Blauser
and Children
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God provide comfort and support.
My prayers are with your family as you deal with this tragedy. May God Bless You!!
FHS Class of 88
my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Trooper Ritchey. It is a great loss to his family, friends, fellow officers, and the county in which he served. It is very hard to understand why it happened, but we hope everyone finds closure with the help of family and friends close by.
Officers and members of the Reno Volunteer Fire Department
Van and Melissa, pleas know that God is holding you in the palm of his hand. We are continually praying for your family.
To the family of Paul G. Richey.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Although we have never met, somehow we are connected by a bond of the family of law enforcement. I am certain that in addition to Paul being a good man, husband and father, he was a credit to his Country and the Pennsylvania State Police.
May my thoughts and prayers be of some comfort to you.
John F. Lesher, PSP retired.
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
To the family of Trooper Richey:
My prayers have been constant for you during this tragic time of loss. May God’s peace and assurance bring comfort during this time. The sacrifice given by Trooper Richey will not be forgotten.
Pastor Steve Henry
Victory Heights Church
We are so very SORRY hear what happen!–We pray for Paul’s family!
God is with you always!
In the Name of Jesus,AMEN!
Love&Prayers in Christ….Brother&Sister in Christ
Dear Richey family,
We send our sincere heartfelt condolences at the loss of your loved one, Paul. As a member of the State Police, he is to be remembered to the fullest respect as a dedicated law abiding officer and also as a loving caring husband and father. He is still with you and always will be in all of our hearts as he is watching over you all from heaven above. May God bless you all. Amen.
Most Sincerely,
Vincent Kloss and Family
State Police Troop E, Erie PA Barracks, Lawrence Park
Carrie – You, Connor and Catherine are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Your strength, dignity and courage is so admirable. God Bless you all…RIP Trooper Richey – thank YOU for the ultimate sacrifice while keeping us safe.
Melissa and Van, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God undergird you all. Kim Gabriel
Dear Ritchey family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so deeply sorry and saddened from your sudden loss.
Our deepest sympathy,
Paul, Nancy, Brian Delo
– Rockland, Pennsylvania
Greg, Dawn, Cody, Kari Delo
– Severn, Maryland
Brenda, Andy, Brandon, Allison Ochs
– Lucinda, Pennsylvania
May God bless!
Dear Richey Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May God watch over your family during your time of need.
With our sincere sympathy!
To Uncle Sam, Aunt Nancy, Paul’s wife and children. You are in are thoughts and prayer. With Love, your family.
I have worked with Van Slack for a few years and my deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time.
Sincerely
Tracy Haney
Melissa your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. It is one of the hardest things you will ever go through.Remember all of the wonderful times you had with Paul and keep them close to your heart. May all of your family have the strength to pull through this difficult time.
Love Jenn C.
Although we do not know the Richey family our hearts are so sad. Just from reading the newspaper we can tell Paul was was a loving and wonderful husband. We will continue to pray for the entire Richey family. God bless all of you.
I never had the privilage of meeting him,but he has been a protector of many of us,he will be sadly missed.I hope his family is doing ok,especially his young children they hav a wonderful person to be so proud of.We were lucky to have such a good person looking after us.I know he will still be looking,until we all meet in the same place bless everyone
What a brave and wonderful Trooper, Son, Friend n Christian. Bless you, Paul. Walk among the angels you belong to God.
You are missed by many
The James E Baughman