Richard T. Deutsch, 85, of Charles Town, West Virginia, and formerly of Elgin, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by family on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, 2026.

He lived a life defined by bravery, courage, and boundless love. Though our lives will never be the same without him, we are comforted knowing he is now one of our guardian angels. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and joy that we will cherish forever.

Richard was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 12, 1941, the son of the late Richard Deutsch and Clare (Dawso) Harkins. He attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1959. Richard was an avid hunter, a Dr. Pepper drinker and a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In 1964, he became a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper (Troop E) providing service to the Corry and surrounding rural municipalities for over 34 years, retiring in 1998. Upon retirement he worked for Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge in internet sales. He also owned Elgin Building Systems, Deutsch Excavating and All Star Pizza. In 2003, he moved to the West Virginia area to be closer to his two youngest daughters and worked as a dispatcher for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office until 2010.

Richard was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Bertha “Terri” Arredondo Deutsch and two sisters, Joanne Hubiak and Gemma Betz.

Surviving are his five children Cassandra L. DeGeorge and her husband Annunziato of Berryville, Virginia, Mary E. Pritchett and her husband Michael of Charles Town, West Virginia, Keith A. Deutsch and his wife Jennifer of Titusville, Pennsylvania, Richard C. Deutsch and his wife Vicki of Corry, Pennsylvania, and Wendy Short and her husband Tony of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Ava and Eden DeGeorge; grand-dog Tucker Pritchett; Christopher, Craig, Megan, Joshua and Rachel Deutsch; and great-grandchildren Madison, Levi and Lance Deutsch. Also surviving are three brothers Chris (Sandy) Deutsch, Terry (Stacy) Deutsch, and Blaise (Pam) Deutsch, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at Hospice of the Panhandle, Comfort Keepers and Brooke Choate for the amazing support and compassionate care provided.

Funeral services will be held privately by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Heart Association.