Richard E. Kajut

Richard Earl “Dick” Kajut, 94, of Lower Burrell, passed away peacefully the morning of December 3rd at the Southwestern Veterans' Center in Pittsburgh, PA.  He was born in New Kensington in 1926, son of the late Walter T. and Myrtle (Moore) Kajut.  Dick graduated from Ken-High in 1944.  He was a United States Navy Veteran who served in the Philippines as a Seaman First Class during World War II.  Dick married his high school sweetheart, Betty, on February 21, 1947 and remained in their first home together until reaching their early 90’s.  In the 1960s and 70s, he was Justice of the Peace/Notary for Lower Burrell and worked as a millwright at PPG Industries in Creighton.  Dick lived an abundant 94 years!  He enjoyed cross-country road trips with his wife in their RV, tending to his garden, fishing, playing pool, spending time at camp, passionately cheering on the The Steelers, and watching wildlife documentaries.  It’s still debated by his family whether his knack for winemaking resulted in the best grape or oak-leaf wine!  Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Mae (Wiant) Kajut, with whom he was blessed to be married to for over 73 years.  She will miss his joyous smile, endless storytelling, companionship, and her life-long dance partner. He is also survived by his sons, Richard (Nancy) Kajuth, of Pittsburgh, retired Sergeant Major David Kajut, of Fort Ashby, WV, and his only daughter Christine (Robert) Cousins, of Lower Burrell.  Dick was the proud grandfather of Jennifer (Leonard) Wolfe, of Tarentum, Commander Marc (Holly) Kajut, of Hampstead, NC, Nora (Armando) Trimboli, of Campbell, OH, Kristin (Tim) Blakelock, of Lower Burrell, Elyse Cousins, of Pittsburgh, Michael (Nicole) Kajut, of Austin, TX, and Richard Kajut, of Winchester, WV.; sister-in-law Judy Kajut; 11 great-grandchildren, as well as, numerous extended family members, friends, and neighbors…All whom he dearly loved.   In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter Kajut, Paul Kajut, as well as, an infant granddaughter, Stephani Lyn Cousins.  A member of Lower Burrell Baptist Church, Dick delighted in studying The Bible and socializing with fellow church members.  Comfort is found knowing that Dick now rests in the arms of his Savior in Heaven.  A private memorial service will be held, on a future date, in light of concern for COVID and Betty’s wellbeing.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southwestern Veterans’ Center, 7060 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA  15206 with Attention to: Members Fund.  The family is forever grateful for the care and compassion shown by all the staff to both Dick and Betty.  Arrangements entrusted to the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc. Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, Lower Burrell.  Condolences are welcome at www.giglerfuneralhome.com.

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