Richard R. Freshley, 90, of Garden Spot Village in New Holland, died Wednesday November 9, 2016 on what would have been his recently deceased wife’s 90th birthday.
Born on June 27, 1926 in Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late Silas Albert and Ethel Mae (Raiger) Freshley. He is survived by three children: John R. Freshley, Chester Springs, PA; Sheryl A. Hoover (Bruce), Monument CO; Robert A. Freshley (Marjorie), East Fallowfield, PA; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Ruth Bullock, Honey Brook, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erlyne T. (Lentz); a daughter, Susan Wyble; a sister, Janet Ruth; and a brother, Ronald.
Immediately after graduating from Lebanon High School in 1944, Richard enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a signalman on the USS Colonial. After the war, he attended Rider College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in November of 1949, and became a CPA in 1958. He married his grade school sweetheart, Erlyne, in 1947, and they moved to West Chester, PA in 1960, when he began working for Lukens Steel Company. After holding numerous positions there, he retired in 1988, and they moved to New Holland in 1998.
Dick was a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Holland. He was an active member in the Garden Spot Community, volunteering his services to other residents for transportation and tax preparations for many years. While residing in West Chester, he was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the West Chester Golf and Country Club and served as treasurer to both organizations for a time. In addition to golf, he enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing bridge, watching sports, and traveling.
A memorial service will be held at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA. 17557 on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 7 p.m. with Chaplain Chester Yoder officiating, with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Lancaster County. Interment will be the following day at 10 a.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.
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