Richard F. Calupca

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Francis Calupca, who died on October 13, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard was born on October 17, 1934, in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Kate (King) Calupca and three sisters: Sally Cunningham, Nancy States, and Andea Runk. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary (Harper) Calupca; children Lori Calupca and John Calupca (Carolyn); and grandchildren Joshua Calupca and Christopher Calupca. Richard graduated from Captain Jack High School in Mount Union in 1952. He graduated from Penn State University in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned the Professional Engineering (PE) license. He also proudly served his country as a member of U.S. Army Reserves from 1952 - 1961. Richard’s career can best be symbolized by a quote from Winston Churchill “To every man there comes in his lifetime where he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered that chance to do a very special thing unique to him and fitted to his talents.” Pipeline engineering was Richard’s calling. His leadership, attention to engineering detail, dedication to research and preparedness helped Colonial Pipeline expand and transport petroleum resources from the south to the northeast. Along the way he forged many relationships and friendships, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and business associates for his dedication, compassion and integrity. He mentored many to make “pipelining” their career as well. Richard started his career at Mobile Oil and then began his long-term career with Colonial Pipeline where he started as an engineer in 1963. He spent time as Chief Operator A at Richmond Delivery and as Project Engineer at Bel Air and then was assigned to Area Engineer at Dorsey in 1968 working on several major construction projects. He was promoted to Area Manager in Richmond in 1974 and remained in that position through several additional construction projects. In 1983, he was promoted to Manager of Operations Planning and Pipeline Control in Atlanta. He became the Manager of Planning and Business Development in 1984 and was promoted to Senior Manager, Western Region in 1988. In 1994, he served as the Major Projects Leader and then Engineering Services Leader in 1996. He was a member and leader in many professional organizations like the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, where he served as president; The Florida Energy Pipeline Association, where he served as Chairman and Vice Chairman and the Georgia Engineering Foundation. He has also served as the President of the Pipeliner’s Club of Atlanta. Faith was the guiding force in Richard’s life. He lived his life for God and treated people with kindness and respect. He was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church where he was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus. One of his favorite times of the year was making chowder for Lent. He also helped fundraising efforts to build Mary Our Queen and to support religious vocations. In his spare time, Richard was an avid golfer and loved to hike the Appalachian Trail. He loved spending time with his grandsons and passing on his love for golf, games, and building things, whether it be with Legos or electric trains. Richard will be remembered for his unwavering support for his family and leaves behind a legacy of generosity, love, inspiration and compassion. Baba’s memory will forever be a part of those who knew him. A funeral mass service will be held on November 14, 2025, at 2:00pm at All Saints Catholic Church, Dunwoody, Georgia. Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring and celebrating Richard’s life. A reception will follow in the Parish Center. The Inurnment Service will be held on November 22, 2025, beginning at Heath-Anderson Funeral Home in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. Visitation with family will be from 10:00am – 12:00pm followed by the Inurnment Service at Mount Union Borough Cemetery, Mount Union, Pennsylvania. Flowers may be sent to All Saints Catholic Church at 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd Dunwoody, GA 30338 for the funeral mass, or in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Legionaries of Christ, a global Catholic order of 1,300 priests and brothers who transform the world by making Christ’s Kingdom present or a donation to Pinecrest Academy, a private Pre-K through 12 college preparatory Catholic School. Please write “In memory of Richard Calupca” in the comments section. Thank you for your love and support.

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