HALAPIN DR. RICHARD A. On November 16, 2018, Dr. Richard A. Halapin, age 79, of McCandless, formerly of the North Side, beloved fiancé of Patty Doyle; father of Leesa (Todd Orange) Halapin, Richard Michael (Joel) Halapin, Natalie (Matthew Giordanengo) Halapin and Richard Alan Halapin; brother, Robert (Gloria Jean) Halapin; grandfather of Alex Orange, Jack Halapin, Mikey Halapin, Gunner Dongieux. Richard died peacefully at home following a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his children. Richard was born on October 18, 1939 to Helen and Michael Halapin in Pittsburgh, PA. He had received a scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's in Chemical Engineering, a Master's in Business Administration, and then a Doctorate in Operations Research. In 1965, Richard joined the United States Air Force, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel after transitioning to the Air Force Reserves in 1979. During his military career, Richard served as a William Foster Visiting Scholar and political analyst, U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, on Strategic Arms Reduction (START) negotiations, and had been awarded multiple honors and medals, including The Meritorious Service Medal and The Legion of Merit. As a civilian, held positions in the fields of Nuclear and Chemical Engineering and later as faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In his retired life, Richard achieved his life-long dream of spending his time sailing all along the East Coast and Florida Keys, with his fiance, Patty at his side. When not busy exploring the coastline, Richard and Patty became well-known in the swing dancing circles of Northern Pittsburgh. Friends received Monday, November 19th, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 7720 Perry Highway. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., at St. Andrew the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, 235 Logan Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church. www.simonsfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb