Richard P. Sheidy

Richard "Rich" P. Sheidy, (86), of Elizabethtown, PA, entered into rest on February 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and family devotion. He was the loving husband of Ethel M. (Heck) Sheidy. They had been married for 64 years.

Rich was born in Stouchsburg, Berks County, PA, on December 20, 1939. He was the son of the late Herman S. and Ruth E. (Gerhart) Sheidy.

He was a 1957 graduate of Conrad Weiser Area High School, Robesonia, PA. In 1961, he graduated from Delaware Valley College/University in Doylestown, PA, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Husbandry.

Rich entered the Army National Guard in January 1962 and served for 31 years, retiring in January 1993. He started with the Service Battery 4th Howitzer Battalion, 213th Artillery Group in Reading, PA and later transferred to the 3622nd Maintenance Company in Lancaster, PA, serving as PSG (Platoon Sergeant).

From perhaps 1965-1977, he was a member of The Hanover Standardbred Barbershop Chorus, in Hanover, PA. He was also a member of the Penn Villains quartet within the chorus, which is affiliated with SPEBSQSA, the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.

Rich was employed by Agway, Inc. for 34 years (1964-1995). Prior to that he was employed by Eastern States Farmers Co-op (1961-1963), which merged with Grangers League Federation (GLF), thus forming Agway, Inc. In 2005, he retired from Eastern Mobile Mills (EMM), Brownstown, PA, after being employed with them for ten years.

Following this retirement, he became an active member of Steam-O-Rama, Windsor, York County, PA, an Early American Steam Engine and Old Equipment Society, where he was an integral part of those who maintained the show grounds for the organization.

He was a member of Christ Church, UCC, Elizabethtown, PA. In 2016, he became a board member of the Elizabethtown Area Water Authority, serving until his passing.

Rich very much enjoyed spending time at the Red Oak Hunting Camp in Galeton, Potter County, PA; starting in his early youth and continuing throughout his life as he became a member of the camp, following in his father's footsteps who had been one of the founding members of the camp.

He took great pride in restoring a IH Cub Cadet tractor and also a Hercules Deluxe children's wagon that was a family heirloom.

He enjoyed playing pinochle, attending sales and auctions, watching NASCAR races and NHL ice hockey games on TV. He was an avid Hershey Bears ice hockey fan, having season tickets from 1987 to present. Most of all he enjoyed spending time and sharing vacations with his children, their spouses, and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by four children: Melinda S., wife of Marc A. lerley of York, PA; Lisa L. Sheidy, widow of Andrew S. Keane of Middletown, PA; Melissa A., wife of Timothy E. Sehein of Royersford, PA; and Ryan R. Sheidy and companion Candace Costik of Elizabethtown, PA. He was "Grandy" to four grandchildren: Logan A. lerley (Jenn), Tanner P. lerley (Brielle), Parker M. Hartline (Lillia), and Kayla A. Sehein (Logan). Also surviving are two nieces and one nephew.

Rich was preceded in death by two sisters: Sally A. McMahon and Linda J. Keppley.

His service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, Feb. 16th, at St. John's (Hain's) UCC, 591 N. Church Road, Wernersville. A viewing will be held from Noon- 2:00 PM, Monday, at the church. Burial will be in Hain's Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.lammandwitman.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heidelberg Heritage Society, 182 West Penn Avenue, P. 0. Box 51, Wernersville, PA 19565.