Passing of Richard Pianca Davenport, Iowa member AOAI, SDC ASC retired military

[Studebaker Wheel]

Regret to report the passing of a long time friend Richard Pianca of Davenport, Iowa. Richard was a veteran of the Korea War and life long military retiring with a rank of Lt Colonel. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois he was from a Studebaker family as his dad had both a '39 and '42 Commanders when he was growing up. Richard bought a new '58 as his first new car. Later in life he purchased a '42 Commander Sedan Coupe from the Harrah collection and completely restored it. It won numerous "best of" trophies and special events. It was eventually sold to the Don Armacost collection and is now in his museum. Richard also had a beautifully maintained turquoise '63 Avanti that he owned at his passing. Richard was also an enthusiastic model collector and had a basement full of hundreds of Studebaker models many of which he modified himself. To add to the tragedy of his passing (that was not Covid related) his 62 year old son passed away just a week earlier of Covid. A severe blow to his wife of 60+ years Betty. Richard and Betty also had a daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

[r1lark]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Even though I never met Richard, I very well remember his articles in various Studebaker related publications, and his posts in the old 'early-internet' Studebaker groups.

[Deaf Mute]

Some of Richard's information was just sent out on page 33 of the December 2020 TURNING WHEELS. He was a great guy and always willing to share his vast knowledge of Studebakers. His model collection was unbelievable and filled almost the entire lower level of his house. We used to park our Turquois Avantis next to each other, his was a lot nicer than mine, but we sure got a lot of comments.

[BobPalma]

'So sorry to read of this, Dick.

Richard Pianca was indeed a great Studebaker gentleman. The emotional strain of losing a son just a week earlier certainly must've contributed to Richard's passing.

RIP, Richard. BP.

[rkapteyn]

I am sorry to hear that.
Richard used to stop by my Joliet Studebaker Store and loved to rummage through my inventory to find parts for his 1942 Commander.He also identified a lot of parts for me.He had accumulated a large hoard of 1942 parts that I acquired from him after he sold his car to Don.
My condolences to Betty and his daughter.