So

Richard J. So, 68, of the Townhouse Apartments, formerly of Chestnut Drive, died Tuesday at his home.

Born March 18, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was a son of the late Stephen and Anna Bender So.

Mr. So graduated from Youngstown University and earned his master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh.

He was a veteran of the Army and served during the Vietnam War. He continued his service in the Army Reserves for another 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He was a psychiatric social worker for the Allegheny County Children and Youth Services until his retirement in 2002.

He was a member of the St. Peter Roman Catholic and the St. Andrew Roman Catholic churches.

Richard was a great NASCAR fan. He formerly was a scout master for Cub Scout Pack 23 and Boy Scout Troop 14. He enjoyed reading, playing video games and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed Saturday morning doughnuts with his friends at the Townhouse.

His wife, Esther G. Cehelsky So, who he married April 16, 1966, died March 21, 2006.

Surviving are a son and his wife, David M. and Heidi So of Butler; a daughter, Tracy L. Boice of Butler; a brother and his wife, Frank S. So and Deborah Huggett of Flossmoor, Ill.; three grandchildren, Francine and Brandon So and Rachael Heller; and three nephews.

<B>SO</B> — Friends of Richard J. So, who died Tuesday, June 17, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan officiating. Inurnment will take place at the St. Peter Cemetery.The Women's Council of St. Peter Parish will recite the rosary at 9:35 a.m. Saturday at the church.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.