Richard M. "Scratch" Hutira, 72, of Trauger, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in Latrobe Hospital, Excela Health. Born June 12, 1942, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Bafik) Hutira. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Sherry (Hutira) Monteparte in 2007. He was a member of St. Florian Catholic Church, United. Prior to retirement, he had been employed by Westinghouse, ICI Industrial Ceramics, Derry and was always self-employed in the Towing/Salvage business. Scratch was a retired life time member and an active officer of Trauger VFD. He also belonged to Calumet Community Club and United Slovak Club. He is survived by a daughter Terri Lowther, of United; grandchildren Brett Hutira, Hailey Lowther, Anthony and Luke Monteparte; a sister Bernie (James) Fultz, of Mammoth; his best canine buddy "Sophie"; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday in the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Norvelt, 15674 where transfer prayers will be 9:15 a.m. Friday followed by his mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Florian Church with Rev. John A. Sedlak as celebrant. Interment to follow in St. Florian Cemetery, Trauger. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. A vigil service will be 7:30 Thursday in the funeral home. Online condolences at hofferfuneralhome.com