After a year-long battle with melanoma, Renee Riccio McCutchan went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021.
Renee is survived by her husband, Frank; her children, Jacqueline and Frankie, her parents, Rick and Jackie Riccio; her brother, Phil Riccio; sister-in-law, Kim Riccio; nephews, Michael, Matthew and Anthony Riccio; her brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Cheryl McCutchan; her nieces Kathleen and Meghan; and her mother-in-law Ann McCutchan.
Renee was born Jan. 18, 1971, in Altoona, Pa. She was a stand-out swimmer at Altoona Area High School and a four-time high school All-American. She graduated with a degree in exercise physiology from West Virginia University, where she also was captain of the WVU women’s swimming and diving team and a three-time NCAA All-American. Renee worked as a physical therapy aid, swim coach and, after taking several years off to stay home with her children, a swim instructor for children with special needs at Stepping Stones of Morgantown.
After marrying Frank, Renee lived in Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., Stroudsburg, Pa., and finally settled down in Morgantown, where she lived for 20 years. Renee volunteered extensively in Monongalia County Schools, including as a coach of the University High School swim team, at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, where she was an active member, and in various other organizations in Morgantown.
Renee is known to friends, family and students as endlessly warm and giving. She always thought of others first, doing whatever she could to make those around her feel welcome and happy. Renee is known to her teammates as a fierce, yet immensely humble, competitor. Renee took particular interest in the Special Olympics, volunteering to coach swimming for those athletes from around north-central West Virginia.
Visitation will be at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, Sunday, Aug. 29 from 4-8 p.m. A Panachida Service will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The Divine Liturgy Service for the Departed will be held at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 19 W. Park Ave., Westover, on Monday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. with Father Matthew Stagon officiating. There will be a graveside service at Alto Reste Park in Altoona, Pa., at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Stepping Stones, 400 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501, in honor of Renee.
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
