Richard L. "Dick" Fahringer

85 years of age, was called home to the Lord to be with family that passed before him, on August 21, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and pillar of his community.

Known to have difficulty finishing a family prayer without shedding a tear, his heart and life were filled with love for his family and friends.

Born on Valentines Day, 1939, in Stiles, Pa. to the late LeRoy and Theresa Fahringer, Dick was the youngest of six children and a proud lifelong resident of Whitehall. Dick was a 1957 graduate of Whitehall HS, where he was a three-sport athlete, excelling in track and field. It is in HS where he met his "sweetheart" and the love of his life, Suzann, building the foundation of an almost 66 year marriage come November, and a large and loving family.

Dick was equally known for his dedication to the community and his commitment to making a difference. He developed his strong work ethic as a bank teller immediately out of high school, but spent the majority of his career in construction and facilities management, retiring in 2004 from Lucent Technologies. He also dedicated 12 years of his life to serving as a Whitehall Township Commissioner, with many of those years spent as President, and 20 years on the Whitehall Township Water Authority.

During those years he worked tirelessly for the approval of the Ironton Rail Trail, becoming one of his proudest accomplishments that will now live on as a part of his legacy. He looked forward to his daily trail walks with Suzie, as he hoped others still do.

In addition to his public service, Dick was deeply involved in the Fullerton Athletic Association, where he served as President and mentored many through the program including his three sons. He was also a PIAA Football Official for over two decades, using his passion for sports to positively impact the lives of young athletes.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Suzann (Kratzer); his three sons: Ricky and wife Patty (of Coopersburg, PA), Danny and wife Donna (of Whitehall, PA), Timmy and wife Stacey (of Barnegat, NJ); his six grandchildren: Andy, Alyssa, Rachel, Hannah, Kate and Ava; and his six great grandchildren: Graham, Stella, Elaine, Gabriel, Grady, and Zoe.

Dick will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication, and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Services officiated by Rev. Dr. Becky J. Beckwith and Rev. Steven C. Davis will be on Monday August 26, 2024 at 11:00 am in Saint John's UCC Fullerton 575 Grape Street Whitehall, PA 18052, where his family will receive guests beginning at 9:30 am. Interment will be private.

For those who wish to honor Dick with a Memorial contribution, his family suggests a donation to the Ironton Rail Trail 3219 MacArthur Road Whitehall, PA 18052

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall

is honored to handle his arrangements