Hi, my name is Rich Slutzky and I'm fundraising to cover the final expenses and cremation of my father, Rick Slutzky, who died recently. I'm unable to cover the expenses of his funeral, and any VA benefits owed to him are in the form of reimbursement, which cannot be claimed until his remains are processed.

Rick passed away on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, following a 9-month-long recovery from a pedestrian-involved car accident when he was struck while walking near his home in January 2025. We hoped and prayed that it looked promising and like he might make a recovery, but after a few months, he suffered several strokes and lost his ability to swallow, leading him to aspirate on his own saliva and food, requiring him to be hospitalized several times with pneumonia.

After discussing his likely outcome with his medical team, and respecting his wishes to not be permanently intubated with mechanical ventilation, the decision was made to move him to hospice care, keeping him comfortable in his final days.

I currently live in Oregon and cannot be there for my father in person, and don't have the means to pay for this unexpected expense out of pocket. My mother, his ex-wife, is also unable to cover the expense, though she is doing her best to assist in this moment of grief. He leaves behind no estate beyond considerable personal debt. Any money obtained through this fundraiser will go directly to his cremation, with any remaining funds to be used to cover his debts.

At this time, his remains are at Striffler Funeral Home in White Oak, PA, and they have kindly reduced their cost of a cremation from $3200 to $1845, owing to his status as a veteran. However, as his remains have been in their possession since Sunday, this is a time-sensitive matter. I kindly ask people to contribute what they can, and share this as far and as wide as they are able. Any amount helps, and all kind thoughts and prayers are welcomed and appreciated at this time.

Thank you for thinking of my father and me during this horrific time.