The Very Rev. Canon Richard W. Davies

  The Very Rev. Canon Richard W. Davies passed away peacefully on Thursday May 7, 2020 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his dear wife of 68 years, Doris Jean, two children Glynis Davies Carlson (Robert) and David (Nancy). He had two grandchildren, Adam Davies (Mara) and Sarah Davies O'Shea.(Ryan) and one beautiful great-granddaughter, Morgan Marie Davies. Richard was a Priest, theologian, scholar, historian, author, community leader and above all a devoted patriarch of his family. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (B.A. degree in 1952 and Master Education 1973). St. Luke's Seminary, Sewanee, TN and Virginia Seminary M. Divinity 1955 and was ordained Priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh that same year. Richard was the Rector of two churches: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Monongahela 1955-1957 and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Brentwood, 1957-1983. Upon his retirement, he became associate Priest at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon 1987-2010. Rev. Davies was made Canon to the Ordinary and Executive Director of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh 1983-1987. Afterward he was named as the Executive Director of the Episcopal Service Ministries 1987-1990. He was elected as a Deputy to six consecutive triennial National General Conventions and served on many subcommittees, determining national church policies. Richard was the Senior Priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. In 1958, as a response to a lack of community resources serving special needs children, he founded and served as President of St. Peter's Child Development Center. By 1973, under his leadership, the Center had blossomed into six Allegheny County locations. It is now known as The Early Learning Institute of Pittsburgh & Western PA. In addition, Richard was an active community leader beginning in 1965 when he founded South Hills Performing Arts, Inc. He was a member of the Board of Directors of leading health facilities from 1973 through 1998 including St. Joseph's Hospital, South Hills Health System and Jefferson Health Services. He served as President of Delegates and Secretary of Christian Associates of SW PA 1990-1993. Richard was so proud of his Welsh heritage and served as Secretary for St. David's Welsh Society for 20 years. The passion of Richard's retirement years was as Vicar of historic Old St. Luke's Church and Burial Ground, Scott Township, 1988-2020. He considered it a privilege to care for its building and grave sites and the history this site portrays. He authored two books on the Church and its connection to The Whiskey Rebellion. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon when such gatherings are permitted. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old St. Luke's Church, 330 Old Washington Pike, Carnegie, PA 15106 or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

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