Richard S. Bombara

Age 77, of the South Side, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025. Son of the late Stephen and Henrietta Bombara. Beloved husband of Nancy Bombara. Dear father of Michael (Amanda) Bombara and Matthew (Jennifer) Bombara. Grandfather of Delaney Bombara, Gavin Bombara and Luke Bombara. Brother of Kenneth (Patricia) Bombara and the late Frank Bombara. Also many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his loving dog, Hank. Friends received Friday from 2-7 PM at Thomas J. Gmiter Funeral Home, 2323 E. Carson St., where a Blessing Service will be held on Friday at 7:00 PM. Interment will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017 with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Rich was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the 4th Armored Division Artillery in Zirndorf, Germany, where he proudly served for two years as a Sergeant Specialist Four. When he returned home to Pittsburgh, he married Nancy, and together they built a beautiful life and family over 54 years of marriage.

Rich devoted 38 years to the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education, ultimately retiring as Director of Plant Operation, an accomplishment he took great pride in. He also spent more than 15 years teaching auto body repair, helping others learn to refinish and restore their vehicles.

His lifelong passion for American muscle cars fueled a remarkable collection of classic automobiles, each one holding personal meaning. An active member of the Oldsmobile Club of America, Rich owned several of his dream 442 sedans. Many of his cars even appeared on Pittsburgh area movie sets, in parades, and at other special events.

Rich was also an unwavering Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Every game, win or lose, was worth watching, debating, and celebrating. Give him a burger, a cold beer, and a Pirates victory, and it was a perfect day. “Sell the team, Bob.”

Above all, Rich loved his family. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren, who could always put a smile on his face. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate, attentive care he received from so many over the last month.

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