Richard Reid “Cris” Cristofoletti, 78, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in Monroeville.

Richard was born on July 15, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, and was the son to the late Albino Victorio Cristofoletti and Thelma Mary Virginia (Swan) Cristofoletti.

Richard graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1960. After high school, he attended Centenary College, where he developed a love of the Spanish language culture. He went onto obtain a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, graduating Cum Laude in 1965 and went onto obtain a Fulbright scholarship to Spain. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, obtaining a master’s degree in Spanish. Ultimately, his journey led him to Slippery Rock, where he lived and taught Spanish at Slippery Rock University for many years.

He truly enjoyed life. Richard loved listening to operas, watching foreign films and traveling to exotic places. Spanish culture was his lifelong passion.

Survivors include his brother, Victor “Buddy” Cristofoletti, of Pensacola, Fla., as well as eight nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved friend and partner, Francis Ivan “Jeff” Sheetz; his parents; his sister, Helen Virginia (Cristofoletti) Mathis; niece, Kathy Cristofoletti and his beloved cats.

Cristofoletti — Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home of Slippery Rock for Richard Reid “Cris” Cristofoletti, who died Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St. Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. For more information, you may email info@curealz.org.