Richard Joseph Majernik

Richard J. Majernik of Brownsville, PA passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. Dick was born on March 13, 1933 in Slovan, PA and graduated from Burgettstown High School in 1951. He majored in biology at California State Teachers College and had a stellar basketball career with the California Vulcan Team. Dick set the school record in 1955 with over 1300 points scored. In 1996, Dick was inducted into the California University’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Dick began teaching Biology at Brownsville High School in 1955. In 1956, he was drafted into the US Army, where he served two years stationed in Germany. In 1959, Dick married Anna Mae Batinich of Jefferson Hills, PA and they had one daughter, Karen (Larry) Clawson, of Florida. Anna Mae passed away in 1962. Dick is survived by two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all of Florida. In 1970, Dick married Carol Gessner of Baldwin, PA and they have a son, Derek and girlfriend Stephanie Sibula, of Brownsville. Dick is also survived by his sister, Barbara Beach of Ellicott City, MD and his brother, Michael Majernik, of Aliquippa, PA.

Dick retired from teaching and coaching in 1986. He also worked part-time at the Meadows Racetrack in Washington, PA for many years. Following retirement, Dick joined four California University alumni organizations. He and teammate Lloyd Gilmore endowed a basketball scholarship at California University.

His final resting place will be with his wife Carol at LaFayette Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024. Arrangements by Skirpan Funeral Home. www.skirpanfuneralhome.com.