Richard R. Sambuchino D.M.D.

Richard R. Sambuchino D.M.D.

Richard R. Sambuchino, D.M.D., age 79, formerly of Erie, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, February 6, 2022 in Hilton Head, SC. He was born in Erie on June 19, 1942, a son of the late Richard Felix and Julia Ann Sambuchino.

Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School in 1960 and went on to attend Gannon University, where he excelled academically. Richard was a member of the Bowling Team which won the National Championship in 1962. He was inducted into the Gannon University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 alongside his teammates. Richard graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1967 and then served as a dentist in the U.S. Navy, stationed overseas on the USS Wasp. Following his tour in the Navy, he practiced as a dentist for over 40 years in Erie, PA.

He married the love of his life, Joan McGivern Sambuchino, in 1968 and celebrated 53 years of marriage. Later in life, he and Joan enjoyed many years in Hilton Head, SC. Rich, an avid golfer, was a longtime member of the Kahkwa Club and later the Country Club of Hilton Head, where he won the Men's Senior Golf Championship.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ben Sambuchino.

Richard was blessed with three children, Kristin Oliver (Mark), Kevin Sambuchino (Nicole), and Kara Sambuchino Kolocouris. In addition, he is survived by his adoring grandchildren, Samuel, Josiah, McKenzie, and Miranda Oliver; Drew, Jake, Brady, and Alaina Sambuchino; and Dominic, Lexi, Andre, and Milana Kolocouris. Richard is also survived by one nephew, Master Sergeant Richard Sambuchino and many close friends.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 3pm until 5pm at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. A Memorial Service and inurnment will be held at a later date in Hilton Head, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations may be made in Richard's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 862, Carnegie, PA 15106 and note donations are specific to the bladder cancer division.