Richard H. Pohle

Richard H. Pohle, 85, formerly of Maui, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, while under the care of St. Luke's Hospice and Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem, PA.
Richard carved a unique path throughout his life. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Henry and Harriet (Sherman) Pohle. He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University before advancing to earn his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Natural Science at the University of Maryland. His academic achievements were the groundwork for a distinguished career in physics, contributing to national defense projects at Textron and Lockheed Martin. As he described it to others, "I use lasers to program satellites."
Richard's professional life led him to Maui, HI, where his best friend Lothar Bandermann and his wife, Bunchie, arranged a blind date with Corintha (Cori) B. (Smart) Pohle. Richard impressed Cori by flying his small private airplane to Maui for their dates; she impressed him with her warmth and humor. Their love culminated in a marriage that spanned five decades, marked by unwavering love and companionship.
Together, Richard and Cori raised a family that included their beloved children: Ailene Cantelmi and her husband Christopher of Bethlehem, PA; Charles Pohle of Bethlehem, PA; Greta Birnbaum and her husband Aaron of Naples, FL; Kimo Winterbottom and his wife Sandra of Pleasanton, CA; and Lori Guntzel and her husband Thilo of Hannover, Germany. His legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren Iris and Dario Cantelmi; Sophia and Claire Birnbaum; Hailey, Fran, Maile, and Penelope Winterbottom; and Sebastian and Nohea Guntzel.
Richard was an inventor at heart, holding numerous patents to his name, and someone who enjoyed endless hours tinkering, fixing and collecting. He enjoyed the comfort and community he found within the Mormon Church, and was also very interested in the intersection of religion and science. He shared his thoughts on this through his website, theoryofgod.org, which he dedicated to his grandchildren. Richard loved bodysurfing and running on the shores of Maui, followed by a frosty stein of beer while overlooking the Valley Isle from his home in Kula. He and Cori enjoyed this view every night while playing cribbage as the sun set, an experience he described as "revenge of the nerds."
Richard's logical brain was only outsmarted by the size of his generous spirit. He was the first to offer help to anyone in need. He was a harbor of consistency for his children and a dedicated husband to Cori through both their trials and their triumphs.
A hui hou Richard, Dad, Grandpa Richie, Uncle, Cousin, Friend - You will be deeply missed.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Richard's arrangements are entrusted to Cantelmi Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to, Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street Suite 250 Philadelphia, PA 19106 and/or St. Luke's Hospital Development Office (VNA Hospice), 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.
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