Former Trib publisher active in civic service

Richard Wilt made his first foray into an eventual career as a “newspaper man” at a young age, working on his high school newspaper.

“That's where his interest always lay,” said his daughter, Kathryn “Katy” Steele of Stahlstown.

Mr. Wilt started in the classified advertising department of the Tribune-Review in 1950, working his way up to president and publisher. He retired in 1973, three years after the late Richard Mellon Scaife assumed ownership of the paper.

“He loved his job. He did love journalism,” Steele said.

Richard W. Wilt of Unity died in his home Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, during an illness. He was 94.

He was born June 7, 1921, in Latrobe, a son of the late Susan Margaret Tarr Wilt and Richard T. Wilt.

Mr. Wilt worked his way through the University of Pittsburgh, earning a bachelor's degree in business.

During World War II, he served with the Army in the South Pacific and was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines, and was with the first troops to occupy Japan. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, all for combat action.

He was active with numerous civic and community organizations, including the boards of the Greensburg Library, Rotary Club and Salvation Army.

“He was a 4-H club leader for years when my brother and I showed (horses). He loved to work with youth, and he was very well-loved. He was mellow but firm,” Steele said.

Her father and mother, Kathryn Edwards Wilt, met in high school, she said.

While planning a 70th anniversary party for them two years ago, Steele said some vendors offered their services at no cost.

“People thought it was so phenomenal that they were still together,” she said.

In addition to his daughter, Katy, Mr. Wilt is survived by his wife of 72 years, Kathryn Wilt; a son, Dr. Richard Wilt Jr. of Lehigh Valley; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Reiner.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Covenant Presbyterian Church, 200 N. Market St., Ligonier.

Frederick Funeral Home, Latrobe, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be sent to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in honor of Dick Wilt, at ASPCA.org/donate.

Mary Pickels is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.