Richard J. "Dick" Gustin

Richard J. Gustin, of Troy, PA, passed early Labor Day morning.  He was born in Sylvania, PA to Dr. Grant H. Gustin and Fannie McMahan Gustin on November 5th, 1923, the last surviving grandchild of Col. Richard Gustin, Civil War Veteran.  Loretta Brown Gustin is his surviving wife of 68 years. 

“Dick” graduated from Troy High School in 1941 and Mt. Herman Prep School in 1942.  He attended Drexel University, enlisting in the Air Force in 1943, becoming an aviation navigator.  After discharge, he worked at Troy Engine Machine, bought & managed Gustin’s Jewelry Store and retired from Paper Magic.  He was a life member of the Troy Presbyterian church, a member of the American Legion, the Masonic lodge and past president of the Troy Rotary.

Richard is survived by his children:  Marjorie Gustin (John Hollister), Joan Gustin, J. Grant Gustin(Cindy Morgan Gustin), Kay Gustin (Mark Westerfer), Gordon Gustin(Brenda Russell Gustin,), Laura Gustin, and grandchildren: Geoffrey Hollister(Kaitlin) of Steamboat Springs, CO, Ross Hollister of Washington DC, Jessa Canfield-Welander (Daniel), of Orebro, Sweden, Kally Canfield (Vincent Lawani) of Washington DC, Kate Gustin Biddle(Cal) of Horseheads, NY, Richard(Gus) Gustin of Rochester, NY, Lauren Gustin of Gillett, PA, Joshua Gustin-Westerfer (Heather) of Coryland, Rachel Gustin-Westerfer of Troy, PA and Max Gustin of Corning, NY. Great-grandchildren: Mia & Ella Welander, Vincent and Olivia Biddle, and Elaina Lawani. His peer nieces - Ann Gustin Zetterlind of Warren, PA and Janice Gustin, of Harrisburg, PA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sister-in-laws: Annis Gustin, Martha Brown White, brothers-in-law: Delbert Brown and Richard Thomas.

He was predeceased by his sisters Frances Gustin Zimmerman (Harry), Eleanor Gustin Eves (Carl), Jane Gustin Kemp (Wilford) and his twin brother James Gustin and first wife Aletha Stone Gustin, Half-brothers – Harden and Harold Gustin. Brother-in-law Robert White, Sister-in-law Virginia Thomas.

Dick will always be remembered for his sweet smile, gentle spirit, and great patience, dandelion digging, and bridge playing.

The memorial service to honor Richard’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Troy, 1030 West Main Street Troy, PA 16947.  Burial will be private in Glenwood Cemetery.  The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1093 West Main Street Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Troy Presbyterian Church.

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