Paul Rhen

Paul Elliott Rhen, 92 of Dauphin, passed away on Monday, September 22, at home surrounded by his family.
Paul was the oldest of 5 children born to Paul and Katherine (Megonnell) Rhen.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Pauline (Greider) Rhen and a great granddaughter, Aubrielle. Paul is survived by his 3 children Zoanne K. Rhen of Dauphin, Paul ('Bird') Rhen of Dauphin, Lucinda (Brett) Barrick of Duncannon; sister Sarah M. Rhen of Dauphin; 4 grandchildren (Megan, Kyle, Hallie, and Kole); and 4 great grandchildren (Allie, Addie, Asher, and Aiden). Paul was also preceded in death by his sister Mary (Rhen) Brunt of Delaware; 2 brothers, James M. Rhen of Seattle, WA and Thomas A. Rhen of Carlisle.
Paul was a member of the Hope United Presbyterian Church in Dauphin.
After graduating from William Penn High School, Paul married the love of his life Pauline (Greider) Rhen and left Dauphin, with $12 in his pocket, to attend an electronic trade school in Chicago. He checked into a YMCA and worked the night desk to pay for his tuition and room rent. Upon graduating from the trade school, he spent 4 years in the Air Force before turning down an Ivy League education at the University of Pennsylvania to attend Penn State University. Immediately after attaining his degree in electrical engineering, Paul worked as an aeronautic engineer for McDonnell Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas, and subsequently landed his dream job as a Grumman contractor for NASA working on the communication systems of the Gemini and Apollo space missions. Paul returned to Dauphin when the space program slowed down to work for the NSA where he was stationed in Mechanicsburg.
Although he had a storied career, Paul was a humble man with few needs. After moving back to Dauphin, he and his wife, Pauline spent 3 years working full time jobs while building their forever home. Paul showcased his talent as a writer, publishing many of his articles and pictures in the RC Modeler magazine, including taking a cover photo. Paul was an avid reader, but also spent time on a variety of favorite hobbies which included working in his yard after work and on weekends, photography, model trains, remote control airplanes, researching family genealogy, traveling, and spending time with his family. His list of charitable contributions is extensive including multiple community interests like health-related charities, Toys for Tots, and a project for the restoration of the WWII Black Widow which was the first American aircraft designed for combat in darkness.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Burial will be at Miller's Cemetery, Fishing Creek Valley Road, Harrisburg, PA.
Viewings will be from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
To send condolences, or to share memories with the family, please go to BitnerCares.com.