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Richard Will Obituary
Born Feb. 3, 1945, in Hanover, Pa., he was the son of the late Joseph Anthony Will and Hazel Green Maring. He was the husband of Patricia Zendgraft Will.
He was a member of St. John Catholic Church and graduated from St. John High School. He retired from C&P Telephone Company with 29 years of service.
He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Army from 1964 to 1965. He went back to Vietnam in 1971 with nine other veterans to help build a rehabilitation facility in Cat Lai. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW Post 467, and American Legion of Westminster. He was involved with the POW/MIA issue and often traveled to speak at veteran functions. He was also instrumental in having the POW/MIA memorial established in Westminster by the court house.
He enjoyed working on veteran issues and umpiring softball; and most especially watching his grandchildren grow.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons Richard F. Will Jr. and companion Kathy Gilbert, of Westminster, and Andy Will; daughter Stephanie "Nickie" Stephens and husband Michael, of Finksburg; grandchildren Ashley, Will, Devon and Gianna Will, and Shayla and Daniel Stephens; stepbrother and wife Carl and Joan Maring; sister-in-law Sue Will Kyker; nieces and nephews Cherrie Long, Cindy and Jeff Conover, Joseph and Matthew Will, and Chad and Kim Maring.
He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia McGuire; and twin brother Robert S. Will.
A memorial service will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at VFW Post 647, 519 Poole Road, Westminster. Interment will be private with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of your choice.
Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Will
Dawn Groft
August 17, 2012
Rick, I miss the late night and early morning chats. And you always saying get to bed. I am really glad I met you and your family. You will be missed.
Ashley Will
August 17, 2012
If tears could build a sidewalk,
And memories a lane.
I'd walk right up to heaven,
And bring you home again
Love you so so much Pappy!
All my love,
Your Little Ashmash <3
Ashley Will
August 17, 2012
Hey Pappy it's just me. I've been thinking about you a lot lately especially getting ready to make all these picture collages. I miss you so so much, the pain is still unbearable, but I know you are in a better place looking down on me. This is all still unreal though, I feel like I'm going to sign onto Facebook and you'll just be there to talk to, but then I realize, you'll never be. It's all just hard and I pray that I find strength to push through to the other side. School is coming up in two weeks along with softball and you aren't here to share my excitement which saddens me. I always looked forward to all of the stories you'd share with me. Please keep me safe as I continue to walk through life, and don't be afraid to give me little signs so I know you're with me. Until we meet again my hero, I will always love you
shelly tasker
August 14, 2012
Dear Rick, It was an honer to know someone like you. May you rest in peace. I will hold onto the memories I have of you with Ashley. Like the one time you dressed her to take her to the store and she came out with some of the craziest clothes on. All we could do was laugh and say that was pappy. You may be gone but you will never be forgoten.
JoAnn Deavers
August 14, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers..I know you are looking down on the grandkids and watching over them..you will be missed ..rest in peace
Ashley Getting Her Diploma 2010
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Ashley Giving Graduation Speech 2010
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Cousins: Kayla, Shayla, and Ashley
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Never Forgotten <3
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Always a True Friend
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Ashley's 1st Birthday
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Shayla's Senior Prom
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Shayla's Graduation 2012
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Always Talking with a Drink in Hand
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Sitting at the Bar
Ashley Will
August 14, 2012
Richie Skillman
July 26, 2012
Mr. Rick may you rest in peace. I know you were battling something not everyone could do for as long as you did. You put a huge influence on Ashley and help made her the girl she is today. My heart and support goes out to the family and especially your granddaughter. I promise I will take care of her sir, you have my word. Unfortunately I wish we could've have shaken hands and met face to face but meeting you atleast over the computer was an honor to me. Rest in peace pappy
Denise Nichols
July 26, 2012
Wings of the Eagle carry you to join your fellow veterans. What a gathering Top Holland, Col Hopper, Linda Gurganous, Ted Sampley, Doc, Michael Woods, and others that all left us way too soon. You have the answers now and are at peace. You will not be forgotten. I value having been accepted as your friend and fellow veteran. God wrap your arms around his family and give them peace and love always. Your spirit will remain strong always.
Mike McNeely
July 24, 2012
Rick, you are a very patriotic American and you are with the number 1 warrior as you should be. It has been a pleasure knowing you from our involvement on behalf of our live POW/MIA. Rest in peace! Semper Fi
Peg
July 24, 2012
Willie, (Rick) I don't even know who started that. You were a true friend and a true fighter for our POWs and equal rights in Vietnam. They would love to see all of us come in to Nam Viet. Awwwww, Willie and Peg!!!!" I will find that pix again of all of us outside of Nam Viet. I think I might be the only one still living. But one day, that will change. The picture won't mean much to people that didn't know us:but it sure meant a lot to us. Fly high and free Willie. I will see you again one day. Tell all those that have passed before us "Hi". There will never be a group like us fighting for the freedom of our POWs again. Love ya,
Ashley Will
July 23, 2012
Hi Pappy, it's 11:11 and I was just thinking about you. I miss you more than words can explain, and the empty place in my heart will never be replaced. You ARE and always WILL BE my HERO! You are by far one of the strongest, caring, and loving people I know. I'm so thankful to call YOU my grandfather and I wouldn't want it any other way. There are so many people in this world that love you for the accomplishments you have made and the fights you've battled to help your fellow brothers return home. You've done so much for all of us, and there is no way we will ever come close to repaying you. Fly High Pappy, I LOVE YOU <3
Michael J. Martin
July 23, 2012
The Cause of Accountability has lost yet another warrior. May your spirit soar with the Eagles...Michael J. Martin, co-founder of The Last Patrol
Carol Olmstead
July 23, 2012
May you fly free with the Eagles.
God Bless and thank you for following your beliefs. We lost and celebrate a Hero.
Jim "Grits" Dundon
July 23, 2012
Brother Rick - Now You Know The Truth of Our POW's - Rest in Peace My Friend -
With You and Steve Golding Dave Murray and Ted Sampley together now... Raising Hell - Heaven won't be the Same
But Col. Earl Hopper and Top Holland will keep you 4 in line with a little luck....
Joe Oliver
July 23, 2012
To live in th hearts and minds of those you leave behind is never to die. -- Robert Orr ... No Man is dead till forgotten.
RIP Rich - Never Forgotten
Richard Westlake
July 23, 2012
To have known Rick Will was indeed a blessing. His devotion to the resolving of American POW/MIA's issues was undaunting. God bless Rick as he soars with the eagle and Great Spirit
Patty Hopper
July 23, 2012
I am grateful to have known you, Rick. Most of all I am grateful to call you FRIEND. You stood with us through so many dark days in the POW/MIA issue and never wavered in your belief that our men were - and are - still alive in captivity in SEA. You are now with a band of brothers who've gone before you who are "bending God's ear" to bring our POW/MIAs home soonest. I pray God keeps you safe in the palm of His hand. Faith,
Patti Rowley
July 23, 2012
Your work honoring the POW/MIAs will keep me indebted to you forever. Thank you! In God's arms you rest. See you there!
July 22, 2012
Rick my brother, i miss you. I know that you are ok now and looking over us and guiding us. Thank you for the countless years of friendship and brotherhood. R.I.P., Semper Fi, Robert(Bobby)Garwood
Karen Kirkpatrick
July 22, 2012
To Rick's beloved family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Rick was a wonderful friend and POW/MIA believer. We shall miss him greatly.
Lou Bones
July 22, 2012
Rest In Peace Two Feathers. Friend, Brother, Mentor and Great American Patriot
Tom & Judy Gilbert
July 19, 2012
Ricky,our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Judy Miller
July 19, 2012
Pat, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rick sent me a beautiful note when we lost Kristi...I thought that was so thoughtful. He was a very caring person.
Iona Sipes
July 19, 2012
Dear Patsy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have beautiful memories of living next door to you on Penn. ave.. Oh what fun we use to all have. Bless all. Richard and Iona Sipes & Family
July 19, 2012
Dear Pat and Family,
There are so many memories of Ricky and our years at St. John School. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Vicki Yox Wolf
paul Heffner
July 18, 2012
We didt know him but we are sorry for yovr lo
ss love always paul and april
Sue Reifsnider
July 18, 2012
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he shine his face upon you and give you peace.
Frank & Joan Wanken
July 18, 2012
Dear Family of Ricky Will,
Thank God for Ricky Will he was the most patriotic person I have ever known. Really enjoyed the numerous contacts I had with Ricky. A great person has left us too soon. Sorry we cannot visit with you at this time.
In Sympathy,
Frank & Joan Wanken
Pat Bailey
July 18, 2012
So very sorry for your loss. I admired Rick for sticking up to what he thought was right. Wish I could add this 1983 photo to the entry but it is in 3D.
Robert W. Klohr
July 18, 2012
Dear Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Ricky. I have fond memories of him from our old neighborhood on Willow Avenue.
Sincerely,
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