Richard Peter Mooney

 Richard Mooney, born in Pittsburgh on July 12, 1943, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 3, 2024, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Richard lived a long and happy life. Raised many years by his surrogate parents Annie & Pete, his entire family was always very important to him. He joined the Army after high school and got to travel the world as a medic. Many of his favorite stories were about his time spent in Germany and many visits to Spain while he was stationed in Europe during the Vietnam War. He went on to try a variety of jobs, finding his place in sales where he enjoyed making his own schedule. 

 In May of 1977, he married the love of his life, Mary Agnes, and spent the next 47 years doing everything he could to both love her unconditionally and simultaneously drive her crazy (in the best ways!). He loved his only daughter, Katie, and spoiled her in every way possible from surprising her with McDonald's after school, sneaking her money for Speed-ee's slushies, insisting on sending her to the best private schools and generally letting her get away with all kinds of mischief. Many happy years were spent with his siblings, their families and his in-laws in Forest Hills, Monroeville, Wilmerding, and the South Hills celebrating holidays, birthdays, weddings and funerals as is the norm for such a large, connected family.

 Richard's kindness and generosity were unmatched, often going unnoticed and without fanfare. He never hesitated to help his family or friends when they were in need, and he always did so with zero judgment of their circumstances.

 In his later years, he was so grateful to acquire a son in Katie's husband Ben and overjoyed at being a grandfather to four grandchildren, George, Charlie, Ren and Frankie - taking on the role of Pop Pop with gusto. He continued to slip $5 and $10 bills to his grandkids when no one was looking and was always up for a cup of chocolate ice cream, especially shared with his grandson, Ren. He was immensely proud of and loved watching his grandchildren perform in musicals, sing in concerts and play sports. 

 Richard never met a stranger. After moves to Columbus, Ohio and then Charleston, South Carolina to be with his daughter and her family, he still loved meeting new people. Even while he was battling dementia and vascular disease, he never stopped asking nurses, doctors, aides, and new friends, "Where are you from?" with the intent of finding a shared connection.

 His best and most unforgettable advice was "Stick Together" - which is true and should be applied to almost all situations. He was not a perfect man, but he was loved perfectly and tremendously by all those who got the chance to know him. He will be missed, but we are grateful for knowing that God loves him and will welcome him to eternal life.

 Preceded in death by his beloved guardians, Annie & Pete, his parents, Bea & Hugh, siblings Marstelle, Bea, Elsie, Hugh, Howard, his adored brother Patrick, and many friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Agnes, his daughter, Katie, and her husband Ben, his grandchildren, George, Charlie, Ren, and Frankie, siblings, Patricia, Mary, Susie, Jim, Carol, their families, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends worldwide with whom he created a connection and shared a smile.

 A viewing and funeral mass will take place at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:00 am. There will be a memorial service celebrating Richard's life in Pittsburgh, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Benedict. https://www.stbenedictparish.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.