Richard Washabaugh

Richard David Washabaugh, 79, of Chambersburg, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at home following a brief illness surrounded by his family. Born January 6, 1936 to the late Herbert and Margaret (Spahr) Washabaugh, he was the first born New Year’s baby boy in Chambersburg in 1936. Dick graduated with the Class of 1954 from Chambersburg High School where he enjoyed playing football. He was employed at Modern Dry Cleaners in Chambersburg for thirty-nine years and then at Tip Top Cleaners for ten years, retiring on February 18, 2014. He enjoyed his job very much and especially enjoyed all of the wonderful customers that became like family to him over the years.

Dick attended St. John’s United Methodist Church near Chambersburg where he was dearly loved by all during the forty-four years he attended there. He served as a Youth Group advisor for several years; served as a communion steward; a Pastor Parish Trustee; was a member of the worship committee; and was in charge of the greeters. He also played on the church softball team and volunteered with the chicken BBQ and helped with signs. He enjoyed umpiring for the ASA for 30 years in the Chambersburg and Shippensburg areas, receiving the Umpire of the Year award in 1981. He enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals, and the Washington Capitals. He loved playing cards with friends and family after he retired and liked meeting his friends at Dunkin Donuts. Dick enjoyed life and the many vacations with his family over the years including the last one at Cape May, NJ in May of 2015.

A proud husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by the love of his life, Mary Lou (Angle) Washabaugh whom he married on July 4, 1972 and just celebrated their 43rd anniversary. Dick is also survived by his children, Sharon Washabaugh of Chambersburg and Richard Washabaugh, II and wife Beverly of Pittsburgh; and three wonderful grandchildren who he loved to spend time with and share in activities, Claire, Abby, and Luke; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are four sisters, Doris Becker (Robert) of Newark, DE, Karen Washabaugh of Glyndon, MD, Mona Etter (Larry) and Sandra De Shong (Elliott) all of Chambersburg; and two brothers, Donald (Mary Alice) of Palm Bay, FL and Bernie (Virginia) of Chambersburg. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by three brothers, Ted (Carita) of Olney, MD, Edward (Patricia) of Waynesboro, James (Joanne) of Chambersburg; and four sisters, Peg Bonner (Martin), Deb Carmack (Leonard), Lynn Dovey (Lee) and Susan Washabaugh, all of Chambersburg.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Swartz for his wonderful care of Dick over all the years. Also thanks to Dr. Chris Klinko, Dr. Lewis Harpster, and Dr. John Robinson of Summit Cancer Services and their staffs. Special thanks to the hospice nurses and aides who we feel are angels in disguise.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 29, 2015 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 3001 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA, 17202. Pastor Daniel Wilt and Rev. Ray Kauffman will officiate. Interment will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM Friday at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA and from 9:00-10:00 AM Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church at the above address.