Richard Roland Federowicz

Richard Roland Federowicz, age 95, was born October 19, 1928, in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. His parents were Adam and Mary (Banyak) Federowicz.
Richard had four siblings, Marion (Federowicz) Mino, Dorothy (Federowicz) Crews, Joseph Federowicz, and Robert Federowicz.
Richard was married for 60+ years to Johanna (Levisky) Federowicz. They had five children: Richard Joseph Federowicz (Marty), John Federowicz (Jaunie), Mary (Federowicz) Foering (George), Michael Federowicz (Christine Mathioudis), and Susan (Federowicz) Ostrowsky (Matt). Richard and Johanna raised their family in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. Richard was very close to his grandchildren, and he was also fond of his great-grandchildren; Liz Federowicz, Peter Federowicz (Rachel), David and Lila, Marie (Federowicz) Katz (Christopher), Jacob and Daniel, Jennifer (Federowicz) Deir (Thomas), Zoe and Nolan, Sarah Federowicz (Brad Weisshaupt), Maya and Luke, Stephen Federowicz (Autumn), Romy and Jack, Michael Foering (Kristen), William and Benjamin, Christopher Foering, Patrick Ostrowsky (Samantha), Rohan and Jemma, and Andrew Ostrowsky.
Richard and his wife were family-oriented and extremely devoted to their extended family. Richard is noted to have never missed a day of work.
Richard was a 60+ years member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, belonging to Local 126. He was a lineman and later an electrician.
Growing up in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, in the heart of anthracite coal mining region, he followed in his father's footsteps and was a coal miner for several years belonging to the United Mine Workers Union. He completed 10 years of school and then immediately went into the workforce to help support his family.
He joined the U.S. Marine Corps. in 1946 and was honorably discharged as a private first class in 1947. He served as a ground person on aircraft carriers.
Richard was a life-long Roman Catholic and very proud of his religion. He was a founding member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Spring Township, Pennsylvania. He had previously been a member of Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he had belonged to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Richard's parents spoke Polish and some English in his family home and he was conversant in Polish. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and was a long-time member of the Polish Falcons of America. He served as the President of Nest 946 in Reading, Pennsylvania. His wife, Johanna, was also an officer for many years serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Nest.
Richard was very civic minded and was President of the Sinking Spring Volunteer Fire Company for many years. He also rode on the fire trucks as a volunteer fireman for many years. One of his most vivid recollections is helping to put out the fire at Boscov's West in Sinking Spring, PA, when the entire structure was destroyed in the 1960's.
Richard had many hobbies and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had memorable fishing trips to Canada with his family, and also with his brother, Robert.
He was also very charitable and was an avid gardener. Oftentimes he would take the vegetables he grew to the senior citizen centers throughout Reading.
Richard would often attend sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
Richard was always a strong advocate for the underdog and the working-class person.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, Mar. 7th, at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 2600 St. Albans Dr., Reading. A viewing will be held from 10-11:00 AM, Thursday, at the church, and from 5-8:00 PM, Wednesday, at Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, 243 W. Penn Ave., Wernersville. Online condolences may be made at www.lammandwitman.com