Richard J. Alfera

Richard J. Alfera, 86, of Hermitage passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Peters Township Post Acute in Canonsburg, PA.

Born on April 2, 1940, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Richard was one of three children of Pat and Millie (DeCaprio) Alfera.  He graduated from New Castle High School in 1958.

Richard earned his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.  He was an advocate of advanced education becoming a supporter and mentor to many through the years including his children.

Richard was a lifelong grocer starting in the industry in his early teens in New Castle.  He worked several jobs in New Castle and Hermitage.  His career culminated as Merchandising Director for a chain of grocers, Food Centre, in Cleveland, Ohio where he won Cleveland Food Dealers Association Award before retiring in 1998.

He was a devout Catholic and member of Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage. 

Richard enjoyed gardening and had a meticulous lawn.  During his retirement, there was not a day when he was not doing something in his yard.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Cavs fan.  Always a stout fan of the Steelers, he was thrilled when he attended the 2006 Super Bowl in Detroit and watched his Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks.

On October 26, 1963, Richard married the love of his life Carol L. Cappiello.  He was a devoted husband and father instilling strong family values in his children.  His greatest joy was being surrounded by his entire family for dinners, celebrations or just getting together.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Pat Alfera and Millie (DeCaprio) Alfera.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Cappiello) Alfera; three children, Richard Alfera II (Traci Dunn), Upper St. Clair, PA, Ron Alfera (Stephanie Aiello), Canton, MI, and Rachelle Alfera, Pittsburgh, PA; eight grandchildren, Nick Alfera, Jocelyn Santo, Richard Alfera III, Juliann Alfera, Mirissa Alfera, Matthew Alfera, Gabrielle Beauchamp,  Ryan Alfera; and eight great grandchildren, Aiden, Alex, Aera, Atalia, Dominic, Alessia, Gio’vanni and Carmella; his sister, Patti Seward and his brother, Bob (Marsha Wilson) Alfera; as well as three beloved nieces, Leigh Ellen, Lynn and Nicole.

Visitation to be held June 6, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, at the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 am at the church.

In place of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to St. Jude.

Arrangements are being handled by Terry Cunningham Funeral Home, Bessemer, PA. Online condolences may be shared at keystonefuneralservices.com.

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