Richard Edward ‘Rich’ Bereschik

WELLSVILLE — Richard Edward “Rich” Bereschik, 73, of Wellsville, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 12, 1952, in Carrick, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George and Lois (Lanzine) Bereschik. In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death in 2015 by his daughter, Natalie Derrington.

Rich graduated from Carrick High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University as well as two master degrees in education. He was a dedicated educator and was proud of over 50 years of service he had in the public school system. Rich retired in 2024 as the superintendent of the Wellsville Local School District. When he was at home, Rich spent his time outdoors in nature and enjoyed vacations to the ocean. As important as education was to him, there was nothing more important than the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Stephanie (Pajerski) Bereschik, whom he married in 1972; two children: Nichole (Rief) Gilg of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Richard (Kristina Kelkenberg) Bereschik of Elyria, Ohio; and his siblings: Roberta (Gerald) Walther of White Hall, Pa., Kathleen Bereschik of Wellsville, and George (Arthur Weiss-Jones) Bereschik of Santa Fe, N.M. Also surviving are five grandchildren whom he adored: Henry Gilg, Liam Derrington, Oliver Gilg, Cooper Derrington, and Lukas Bereschik.

According to Rich’s wishes, no services will be held.

Roberts Funeral Home in Wellsville is entrusted with assisting his family with arrangements.

Education was an important part of Rich’s life. To honor the legacy of the more than 50 years he spent teaching in the classroom and then guiding teachers and school districts as a principal and superintendent, his family is asking for donations to be made to the Wellsville Alumni Association Scholarship Committee, PO Box 629, Wellsville, OH 43968, where a scholarship will be established in his name to help further the education of the students who meant so much to him.

You may view this obituary and send condolences online at www.robertsfuneralhomewellsville.com.

7/6/26