Richard P. Notari, Sr., 64, of Old Forge, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011 at Moses Taylor Hospital from complications from pancreatic cancer.

Born in Scranton on May 7, 1947, he was the son of the late Peter and Margaret Bartoli Notari. He was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1965 and earned his bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Wilkes University, Class of 1969, and his master's degree in education from Rider (NJ) University.

He was an educator in the Old Forge School District having taught secondary mathematics at Old Forge High School for 30 years before his retirement in 2004. Previously he taught at North Brunswick (NJ) Middle School. He served as the Mathematics Department Chairman while at Old Forge High School, as well as an advisor to the senior class, the Chess Club, and the Blue and Gold Varsity Club.

He was the Old Forge High School golf coach for 20 years, and served as an officer of the Lackawanna Scholastic Golf League. He also served as the school's athletic director for 10 years, and also coached football, basketball, bowling and baseball during his tenure in the Old Forge School District.

He owned and operated Valley Aquarium in Old Forge for 10 years. He was a parishioner of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge where he previously taught catechism. He was a founding member of the Old Forge Boys Roundall Club, a former member of the Old Forge Booster Club and an honored member of the Wilkes University Colonel Club having been awarded the traditional Colonel Blue Blazer.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Diane Barbara Lesneski; sons Richard P. Notari, Jr., Old Forge; Dr. Robert J. Notari, and wife Amy, Old Forge; and Timothy J. Notari, and wife Jennifer, Pittsburgh; granddaughter Kamryn J. Notari; mother-in-law Madlyn Argonish Lesneski, Old Forge; sister-in-law MaryAnne Jasuta and husband Leonard Jr., Manhattan Beach, California; nieces Stephanie, Jacquelyn, and Victoria Jasuta, and nephew Kyle Jasuta, all of Manhattan Beach, California; a godmother, Rosemarie Gromelski, Old Forge;aunts, uncles, cousins, and three godsons.

He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Henry C. Lesneski.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge with Divine Liturgy and Office of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, 140 Church St., Old Forge to be celebrated by the Rev. Gary Mensinger, pastor. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Family and friends may call Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home with Parastas at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made towards a scholarship fund to be set up in the name of Richard P. Notari, Sr. c/o any PNC Bank Branch in Northeastern Pennsylvania or St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church Beautification Fund, 140 Church St., Old Forge, PA 18518. To leave an online condolence visit www.ferrifuneralhome.com