Obituary

Richard Charles Zarilla, 57, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born on November 14, 1968, in Okinawa, Japan, he was the son of the late Raymond Sr. and Lina (Lentz) Zarilla.

Richard held many jobs throughout his lifetime, but his years as a Freedom Area school bus driver were his absolute favorite. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, fishing, shooting and historic reenacting. He particularly enjoyed his role as a surgeon with the Civil War reenactment group First Battalion Hospital and portraying Civil War era Santa.

He is survived by his fiancée, Lori Beth Tolbert; daughters, Randi Zarilla, Colby Zarilla, and Kelsay Zarilla-Guajardo; grandchildren, Gemini, Bentley, Maxwell, Roman, Azaleigha, Amyiah, Jackson, Owen, and Lina; as well as other family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Zarilla, Jr., and Randy Zarilla.

All services for Richard were private and his wishes for cremation will be honored.

A wake will be held in Richard’s honor at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for Richard and his family during this time.