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NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Richard John Kinkela Sr., affectionately known as "Rich," 86, of New Wilmington, Pa., passed away at home on Friday, July 17, 2026, lovingly surrounded by his family.
Rich was born on Feb. 7, 1940, in Youngstown, to the late John Kinkela Jr. and Ann Shuluga Kinkela.
Rich grew up on the family farm on Arrel Road in Poland Township, where he lived with his parents; his sister, Carol; and his paternal grandparents, the late John and Mary Kinkela Sr.
Rich attended Poland Seminary High School and was a member of the football team. He graduated in 1958 and later attended Youngstown State University for two years.
Thereafter, Rich proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Rich began his entrepreneurial career in his early 20s as a self-employed milkman. In 1967, he purchased Rolling Hills Golf Course in Pulaski, Pa., where he served as owner and operator for 30 years. After selling the golf course to his son in 1997, Rich remained a steady and treasured presence at Rolling Hills, generously sharing his time, guidance and comradeship with all who knew him.
Rich cherished time spent with family and friends and found joy in many hobbies. A skilled golfer and excellent bowler, he celebrated a hole-in-one at Rolling Hills on Sept. 4, 2002, and bowled a perfect 300 game at Holiday Bowl in Struthers on Feb. 28, 2010.
An avid outdoorsman, Rich enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life, and after retirement, fishing on Lake Erie became one of his favorite pastimes. Rich also enjoyed the friendly competition of card games and looked forward each week to pinochle and poker nights with his buddies.
Rich valued traditions that brought generations of family together. Following in the footsteps of his parents and uncles, the late Samuel Kinkela and William Kinkela, Rich was a lifetime member of the Bessemer Croatian Club. For 30 years, he also hosted annual family reunions at Rolling Hills Golf Course, carrying forward a tradition that began on the Kinkela family farm.
Rich was a beloved member of his community and, along with his wife, Margaret, was a member of the New Wilmington United Methodist Church.
Above all, Rich's greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted father to Rick, Kathy and Lynnette, a steadfast provider, and a loving grandfather, who cherished each of his grandchildren. He was deeply committed to raising his children with strong principles, resilience and independence. He encouraged them always to "do the right thing," and he was later blessed to see those same values carried forward to his grandchildren.
Rich married his beloved wife, the former Margaret A. Thompson Izenas, on Sept. 24, 1994. Throughout their nearly 32 years together, Rich and Margaret remained deeply devoted to one another and to the well-being of their blended family. Together, they built a life filled with warmth, care and great affection. Their marriage was a true blessing, giving them both a cherished second chance at deep and unwavering love.
Rich will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret; his children, Richard (Cynthia) Kinkela Jr. of Pulaski, Pa., Kathleen (Paul) Holden of Canfield and Lynnette Burprich of Hermitage, Pa.; as well as his grandchildren, Sarah (Michael) Vidman, Jaclyn Burprich, Matthew Kinkela and Sydney Burprich.
Rich also held a special place in the hearts of Margaret's family, whom he loved and treated as his own, namely his stepson, Michael (Liz) Izenas; his stepgrandchildren, Douglas, Gracie and Jessica Izenas; and his stepgreat-grandchildren, Liam and Kendall Izenas. Rich is also survived by his sister, Carol (Ronald Patrick) Aey of Lowellville; his nephews, Dr. John (Susan) Aey and Timothy (Jennifer) Aey, and their families; and many close cousins.
In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Rich also endured the heartbreaking loss of his beloved firstborn grandchild, Evan David Amos, and stepson, Patrick James Izenas.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice of New Castle, with special thanks to the nurses and staff for their kindness, compassionate care and unwavering support during Richard's final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made directly to the local office of Gentiva Hospice of New Castle, 26 Nesbitt Road, Suite 200, New Castle, PA 16105.
Honoring Rich's wish for simplicity, the family held a small private service.
Arrangements were entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Sharon, Pa.
Family and friends of Richard may leave online condolences to his wife and family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
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