Jack R. Richard, Sr., 85, of Newport, passed away  at his home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Born on January 5, 1939, to the late Paul L. and R. Gladys (Miller) Richard. 

Jack led a life marked by devotion to faith and family, teaching, and community engagement. A long time member of the Hilltop Christian Church, he cherished Sundays spent in worship with his church family and enjoyed dining out with fellow members after services. 

At Perry Joint High School he enjoyed playing baseball, being the quarterback for the football team, playing the drums and acting in the high school play. He graduated valedictorian. He  continued his education at Shippensburg University and earned a masters degree from Temple University.  He enjoyed a fulfilling career as a science teacher and baseball coach at Greenwood High School, where he was known for his engaging storytelling and adventurous spelunking trips with students. During the summers he painted homes in Perry County and after retirement worked as a land surveyor and delivered prescriptions for the Medicine Shoppe in Newport. 

Jack was a founding member of the Perry County Archers. He enjoyed the tranquility of hunting in the great outdoors and especially cherished his hunting trips to West Virginia, Clinton county and the Forksville Archery Festival. 

He was also active with the Perry County Historians and Oliver Grange. He was a 50 year member of the Newport-Tennis Lodge No. 381 and Newport Royal Arch Chapter No. 238.  Jack enjoyed bowling,  playing ice hockey, and golfing. 

His creativity shone through in his paintings, which beautifully captured his favorite country landscapes and wildlife.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Neva Gantt Richard, his high school sweetheart with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage, and his grandson Jonah. He is survived by his children, Katie Calderone (Tony) of Lancaster and  Jack Richard Jr. (Karen) of Elliottsburg; his brothers Stanley D. Richard of Landisburg, Paul L. Richard Jr. of Newport, Kenneth W. Richard of Greenlane; his sister Janet G. Slusser of Landisburg; and his grandchildren Eliza, Bella, Sophia, Nick, and Frank and many nieces and nephews. 

Jack's witty humor and kind spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024  at Hilltop Christian Church, 721 Hillcrest Dr. Newport, PA with Pastor Jim Penica officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-11PM followed by a service. Burial will follow in the Wila Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hilltop Christian Church or the Oliver Grange 1069 ℅ Jerry Gabel 1651 Oak Hall Road Newport, PA 17074.