Richard Michael Holetich

Obituary for Richard Michael Holetich

Richard Michael Holetich, 74, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Baytown, Texas. He was born on March 10, 1950, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, to Emil Holetich and Josephine Sendykar. Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his selflessness, humor, and genuine kindness.

A resident of Texas for the past 40 years, Richard was proud of his Polish heritage and spent his life working hard, always with a smile on his face and a joke to share. He was a talented self-employed bodywork painter, specializing in painting trucks, cars, and golf carts. His skill, attention to detail, and dedication to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of those who worked with him.

Outside of his work, Richard had a wide array of passions. He was an avid golfer, a lover of online shopping, and had a special fondness for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Richard's sweet tooth was well-known, and he could often be found enjoying Reese's Cups and M&M’s, which even led to a treasured collection of M&M memorabilia. He also enjoyed watching CNN, The Good Doctor, America's Got Talent, and the Olympics, and he cherished the music of Michael Jackson.

Known for his unshakeable sense of humor, Richard lived by the mantra: “If you don’t get three No’s, the answer is Yes!” His theme song was Frank Sinatra's My Way, which reflected his independent spirit and unique outlook on life. His "unfinished" to-do list was a reflection of his approach to life—always moving forward, with a constant drive to keep going.

Richard was a deeply selfless person who always put others before himself. His family and friends will remember him for his big heart, unwavering loyalty, and ability to light up any room with his presence. He was a true friend to all and was particularly close to his beloved dog, Mandy, who was always by his side.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Emil Holetich and Josephine Sendykar. He is survived by wife, Heidi Holetich; daughter, Jennifer Hopkins and husband Albert Hopkins; step-sons, Josh Glenn and Jonathan Glenn; brother, Eugene Holetich and wife Christine; his blended family, Tiffany Coutee, Robert Alexander, Emily Hernandez, Destiny Cline, and Demi Gonzales; and his grandchildren, Caitlyn Hopkins, Andrew Hopkins, Leana Lambert, Garrett Alexander, James Coutee, Hunter Coutee, Lillianne Gonzales, Mason Cline, and Aurora Cline. He is also survived by nephews Taylor Holetich and wife Tina, Bryan Guthrie and wife Lauren, and Andrew Rossa, as well as many other family members and friends.

A visitation with honors and a rosary will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas. The visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with U.S. Army honors at 6:00 p.m. and a rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Richard’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.