Richard A. Tatrn

Richard A. Tatrn, 77 of West Deer Township, died Tuesday February 18, 2025 at Concordia, Cabot with family by his side. He was born July 12, 1947 in Natrona Heights to the late Anthony “Tony” and Mary (Danik) Tatrn. Rick grew up in East Deer graduating from East Deer-Frazer High School in 1965. While in High School he played Football and Basketball, receiving a scholarship to play football at the University of Kansas. Rich graduated from the University of Kansas in 1969, with a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education with emphasis on Coaching and Athletic Training. He then received his Master’s Degree from the Penn State. Rick worked for the Deer Lakes School District for over 34 years as a Physical Education Teacher and retired in 2003. While teaching and into retirement, he coached Football, Girls Basketball coaching them to 3 Section Championships and also qualifying for the PIAA 2 years. His record the final 2 years was 45-7. Rick’s passion, though was coaching Volleyball coaching Deer Lakes Boys Volleyball for over 43 years, coaching the Boys team to win 10 Section Championships, 4 WPIAL Championships and 2 PIAA Championships. His team also qualified 3 additional times for State Championships. Because of Rick’s achievements in Volleyball he received the PCVA Lifetime Achievement Award, was named to the PVCA Hall of Fame, A-K Valley Hall of Fame and was an All Star Coach at the Farrell High School Classic. Rick also coached Girls Volleyball for 11 years total, coaching the Deer Lakes Girls team to 2 Section Championships, he then coached the Girls Pine Richland team for 10 years, coaching them to 9 Section Championships with 4 WPIAL appearances. Rick loved coaching Volleyball, it was his life.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years Judy (Christy) Tatrn, his daughters; Dr. Aimee Tatrn, DVM, Lori Thiry and Lisa Gaston and her husband James Queen and grandchildren Lila Thiry and Waylon Queen.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Bernadette Mitchell

Friends received Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM in the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer. Rick will be privately laid to rest.  Memorial contributions may be sent to the Deer Lakes Back Pack Program, c/o Carol McCaskey, 70 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024, or the West Deer Food Bank, 292 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024. View the obituary and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com/obituary/Richard-Tatrn

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