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DR. RICHARD B. KASDAN: On Friday, November 1, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Judi Kasdan. Loving father of Mallory (Evan Benjamin) Kasdan, Lanie Kasdan (Elie) Francis and Alexa Kasdan (Rickke Mananzala). Brother of Nancy (Michael) Lichtenstein. Grandpa ("Atah") to Zoe, Oliver, Julian, Miles and Alex. Dr. Kasdan was born in Pittsburgh in 1946. He attended Pittsburgh's Minadeo School and then Taylor Allderdice High School, where he met Judi. They were married for 45 years. Richard attended Cornell University and the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, serving his residency at UPMC. He founded and had a long and distinguished career as a neurologist with Associates in Neurology, helping neighbors and friends throughout his life. He was a passionate sports fan and season ticket holder for the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates as well as Pitt football and basketball. He was an honored member of the Tree of Life Congregation, and a board member of Make A Wish Foundation. His strong will, intelligence, humor and spirit will live on in his kids, grandchildren and friends.
Interment Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or Tree of Life Congregation, P.O. Box 5273, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 or Make A Wish Foundation, 707 Grant Street, #3700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
There will be a shiva minyan Sunday evening at 6:00PM at 5000 Fifth Avenue, Apartment #208.
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Maxine Heller
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the recent death of Richard Kasdan. He was a brilliant student in all subjects, definitely one of the shining stars of the class of 1964. Along with that, he had an outgoing personality, cheerful, funny, and kind-hearted. He was a class leader and in subsequent years, a doctor, who dedicated his whole career to relieving suffering. He was a real mensch. I send my condolences to his family and all who knew him. We will never forget this very special man. May his memory be for a blessing.
David Slavkin
Rick Kasdan served our class and his community with distinction. Along with Ray Gusky they formed a dynamic duo anchoring our reunion celebrations and helping us to feel our connections. Rick was missed at our 60 th reunion but his legacy will live on. Condolences to his family and friends.
Marjorie Kisilinsky (Schermer)
I have very fond memories of Richard, especially our tenth grade English class with Mrs. Goff. His shared role with Ray Gusky at our reunions was a highlight. My deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be for a blessing.
Paul Safyan
Richie was a childhood friend and neighbor. Along with Lowell Gordon, we enjoyed competing with one another on our hilly streets in baseball and football. I also competed with Rich every year as a student, from MInadeo through Allderdice.. I think the intensity of this competition began to fray our friendship, and this was a great loss for me, both duiring high sdhool and in adult life. Through the years, I have heard of Rich's great achievement and good works. Maybe it was my perceived lack of these things that kept me from reaching out to him after high school. Whatever the reason, I regret it, but I still remember Rich's October 19 birthday every year. It's important to keep him in mind. Thanks..
Linda Choder (Walker)
So very sorry to hear of Richard's passing. My deepest sympathies sent to his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Joel Wingard
A very admirable person, Rich Kasdan. I was so pleased to be seated at a dinner table with him at the 50th reunion. Sorry to hear of his passing.Lowell Gordon (Gordon)
As Paul Safyan mentioned he, Rich and I grew up together in Minadeo school and competing on our cobblestone streets in various sports activities for hours each day. Rich was literally my first good friend with both of us spending a lot of time at each others houses. Unforutunately as we moved on to Allderdice Rich, Paul and I took a different path. Rich and I would share hello's as we passed through the halls and that was the extent of the relationship. After high school we had no contact. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing and because he was such an early friend I feel a little reality wave. Obviously Rich became very accomplished and successful and led a very full life which is probably all any of us could hope for. May he rest in peace.
Richard X Zawitz
Richie Kasdan and i were in kindergarten together and we both lived on the same street( Mccaslin) in Greenfield for a while in my young life. And only two months ago while reminiscing with Richie and Richard (Hobbs) Horowitz I challenged Richie to remember our kindergaten teachers name at Roosevelt Elementary, and he did...Mrs Lingenfeltzer... we both went to Monadeo when first built..we were the first class.. with I'm sure a few of us from 64. Richie was an entrepreneur before any of us realized the concept.. He had two or tthree of the neighbor kids delivering his sunday Pittsburgh Press papers( really heavy) and raking the vig from his smarts by 10 years old. Cut to maybe 30 years ago, Dr Richard Kasdan was one of the first to recognize the importance and profitabilty of the MRI Medical devices.. Needless to say, it was highly profitable. Richard's career is an neurologist was not only highly successful, he became a known and sought after public speaker and expert in neurology. Dr Kasdan was known to help those in need in his practice. He really cared and was highly respected for his many years of helping people in Pittsburgh and beyond.. Richard was a great dad to his three daughters and good husband to Judy. and he loved his grandkids. Richard and Judy have left us far too soon. Traverse the Universe and continue to cure and help those in need brother Kasdan, I for one will miss you.
Richie Z
Barbara Lynne (Bobbie) Davis (Feldman)
Richard was a brilliant student. We shared several classes over the years, and his intelligence and good sense of humor are what I remember most. I am sure he helped many patients with his skill and kindness. My sympathies to his family.
Ruthellen Lefkowitz (Josselson)
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Richard Kasdan. I remember him as a thoroughly NICE person. That's such a useless word, but in Richard's case it is the best to describe him. I can't remember a time when he wasn't kind and I interacted with him a lot at TA. Wasn't he our class president? I assume he stayed that way and found a path to use his exceptional intelligence (about which he was always humble) to heal others. And I was warmed to see that he spent his life with his high school girlfriend. (I wonder if there are other such couples among us.) I loved the picture of him - he looks just the same. I wish I had found a way to stay in touch with him.