Richard "Sonny" Vignovich

Richard, "Sonny", Nicholas Vignovich of Gibsonia, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 28, 2023 at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with several health issues, and less than two weeks after a terminal bladder cancer diagnosis. He was born on August 20, 1942 in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Until last year, he resided in Penn Hills, PA for over 40 years. Richard was the eldest son of the late Nick and Mary (Musulin) Vignovich. He is survived by his beloved wife Dolores (Vurgich) Vignovich of 55 years, loving daughter Shelley and admired son-in-law Ian Prisuta, cherished granddaughters Loren and Sarah Prisuta, brother Melvin (Patricia) Vignovic, sisters Marian (Phillip) Krivacek, Dianne (Joseph) Franiewski, and Patricia (Russell) Bush, brother-in-laws George (Leona) Vurgich and Ralph (Sherry deceased) Vurgich, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, Kumovi, and friends.

In his early 20’s he worked for J&L Steel, and went on to receive a degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He worked toward a graduate counseling degree at Duquesne University while teaching English at Gateway High School. He was a stay at home Dad during his daughter’s first year, uncommon for the times. His career shifted to joining UPMC in 1977 as Supervisor of Inventory for the Eye and Ear Institute. He continued to have a 25 year career with UPMC in Information Technology and Data Services.

He was a member of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, PA, a member of the Serb National Federation (SNF), and the American Serbian Club of Pittsburgh. Throughout his life, Richard loved his church, and had strong faith in God. Family meant everything to him, especially his granddaughters who were his pride and joy. Richard touched so many lives with his smile, warmth, sense of humor, wisdom, thoughtfulness, and abundant generosity. He had a certain way about him that made a person feel special.

Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, August 2nd from 2pm to 7pm at Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, 2110 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, PA 15146, with a Pomen Service at 7pm with Father Stefan Djoric officiating. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3rd, from 10am to the time of the funeral service at 11am, at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, with Father Stefan Djoric officiating. Richard will be laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles. Arrangements are in the care of Alfieri Funeral Home, Wilmerding. Please visit us www.alfierifuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

Vjecnaja Pamjat – Memory Eternal, Richard. 

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