Rita Klanchar

Rita Montagano Klanchar, 94, passed away on January 30th at home after a brief decline in health and, in her words “a wonderful life”. Rita was born in North Irwin on June 30, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Padula) Montagano. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Jack. Rita graduated from Seton Hill academy and attended the Latrobe School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at Western Psych and in 1952 she met Don Klanchar at a dance. Their first real date was to see Les Paul and Mary Ford at the Vogue Terrace, and music and dancing were always a part of their lives. They were married in 1953 at Immaculate Conception in Irwin and took a trip out west for their honeymoon. Rita and Don enjoyed 66 years of music, dancing and vacations and had 5 children, Annette Stolze (Jim), Lynn Klanchar (Chip Coutts), Marty Klanchar (Jeanne), Frank Klanchar (Debbie) and Laurie Klanchar. She was a proud grandmother to Dan Stolze (Lindsay), Julie Stolze, Matt Klanchar (Amanda), Angela Quatermass (Luke), Jennie Patnode (DJ), Geoff Klanchar, and Christine Stewart (Zack). She was a very proud grandmama to Lena Mae and Penelope Rita Stolze, Brody Klanchar, and Anika and Sylvie Quatermass. She was a loving human to her sweet cat Sunny. Rita raised the family and worked alongside Don at Klanchar’s Exxon until they retired in 1992. They enjoyed traveling, volunteering, helping their kids, and going to dances. Rita lovingly cared for Don until his passing in 2019. A lifelong learner, Rita was always trying new things. She took up running at age 52 and competed in many 5K and 10Ks and 2 half marathons (at age 85 and 86!), with a roomful of medals to prove it. She learned to use a computer in her 80’s. She adopted a cat at 92. She rode the bus to Pittsburgh as recently as August. She loved sewing and made a quilt out of her old race shirts, and would gift homemade aprons, pajamas, potholders, purses and bags. She painted furniture, planted flowers, went to concerts and dances, helped her kids, and baked for Christmas, vacations and weddings. Her pizzelles were the best treat. She was always up for something fun. It was easy to develop a close relationship with Rita. Rita was a member of St Agnes Church. She attended mass regularly, volunteered at the Fish Fry and sang in the funeral choir. Rita was a kind and generous person, and an inspiration to many, as evidenced by the many people who visited, called or sent cards during the last couple weeks. As the family matriarch, she was the keeper of family history details and kept relationships alive. The family is very grateful for the outreach and support and also extends a special thanks to Bridges Hospice, Father Dan at St. Agnes, and Catholic Campus Ministry at Penn State. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 3-8 PM in the Ott Funeral Home Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin 724-863-8900. Parting prayers will be on Friday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 10 AM in the St. Agnes Church with Fr. Danial Ulishney as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Twp. In lieu of flowers, Rita had requested that if people wanted to do something they could make a donation to a worthy organization of their choice and, most importantly, to always be kind to one another. To leave a condolence or get directions please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com