Ray E. Richie, Sr. - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, teacher and coach - passed away on Tuesday, August 2. Ray was born to Elwood and Martha Robison Richie in Shamokin, PA on April 6, 1938. In 1956, he graduated from Shamokin High School, where he was a star athlete in football and baseball. He played football at Susquehanna University. There he earned four letters and was co-captain his junior and senior years. Ray married the love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Shuman, on June 25, 1960. Soon after, they welcomed their first child, James. Their family grew to three children with the births of Martha then Ray, Jr. In 1964, Ray moved his family to Reading, PA and started teaching math at Wilson High School, where he rose to Director of the Math Department until his retirement in 1996. During his time at Wilson, Ray served as an assistant coach for the Wilson Bulldogs, where he helped form the building blocks of the Bulldogs’ football dynasty and helped instill a toughness the Bulldogs displayed during four undefeated seasons during his tenure from 1964-1971 and 1976-1982. In 2008, Ray was inducted into the Bernie Romanoski Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 2012, he was inducted into the Berks County Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Shortly after his retirement, Ray and Peggy moved to Elysburg, PA, close to their hometown of Shamokin. Ray was a devoted fan of Penn State football, the Eagles, the Phillies and the Flyers. Ray is survived by his wife Peggy, two sons James (Jean) and Ray, Jr. (Teresa) and his daughter Martha (Rodger). Ray was a grandfather to Matt, Jonathan and Joshua Richie and Brian and Sarah Richie. He was a great-grandfather to Charlotte, Ben, Emily and Olivia. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Carl W. Richie. A graveside service will be private.

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Published by Reading Eagle from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Richie

Sponsored by Farrow-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc..

11 Entries

Rev. Edward Jones

September 21, 2023

I was a teammate of Ray at Susquehanna. As an underclassman, I looked up to Ray very much. His quiet demeanor and toughness in a game was an example to all of us. Ray taught this Freshman how to get around a blocking back. Thank you, Ray. See you in Heaven some day. Ed

Mark Heller

August 7, 2022

I had Mr. Richie for Calculus class my senior year of high school. Two years later, when I went to college, and had Calculus as a first semester freshman, his lessons came back to me like he taught me just the day before. I ended up 3 points shy of a perfect grade. I think that was entirely because of Mr Richie's teaching. I consider him one of the best teachers I have ever had.

John Yocum

August 6, 2022

Very sorry to see the passing of Coach Ritchie. He had such an impact on so many young people who had him either as a teacher or as a coach.
Always dedicated to making us better people, students and athletes.
I have often said, I learned coaching from John Gurski, but I learned football from Ray Ritchie.

Kathy O'Rourke Heffner

August 5, 2022

Mr. Richie was one of my favorite teachers and, along with Mr. Bradburn, confirmed my interest in math. I may not have used "calc" even once since college but they helped guide me to an always interesting career in computer science. My condolences to Mr. Richie´s family.

Barry T. Aiello

August 5, 2022

I would like to say "Job Well Done and Life Well Spent". From a die hard Wilson lifer like myself to a man like Mr. Ray Richie who I consider a pillar, special teacher, and a coach who helped to shape the Wilson football program into the greatness it is today. I salute and thank you for the great things you have humbly done for the entire Wilson Community. My deepest condolences and sympathy to the entire Richie family and all their friends. God Bless. President of WFTC.

Kent Douple

August 4, 2022

You have my sympathy and prayers. Our years at Wilson and working at your Blue Marsh house were memorable.

Sara Eastman

August 4, 2022

My condolences to your family. Mr. Richie was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I had him for 2 years and although he challenged us, he was always willing to help. He´s the reason I placed intro calculus freshman year in college and got an A in the class.

Robin Laser Gross

August 4, 2022

Mr Richie was my Calc teacher 80-81. I was failing a math class for the first time, he'd meet with me, explain again and give me extra help. To no avail. He took me aside and said 'you didn't have to take this class, and you tried so I won't fail you' he said 'trying isn't failing.' He taught that lesson to me for life, a bigger lesson than learning Calc. Sorry for your family's loss. Hugs Martha.

Dean Shollenberger

August 4, 2022

Condolences to the family. Ray inspired me both as a teacher and a coach.

Bill Richie

August 4, 2022

Aunt Peggy, Jim, Martha, and Ray.............I have such fond memories of Uncle Ray and his sense of humor. Him and my dad (Carl) had a huge impact on students and athletes at Wilson and Muhlenburg during the years they taught and coached there. I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, just wish it were under much different circumstances.

Doug Dahms

August 4, 2022

I coached with Ray for seven years and taught with him many years after that. Aleays had a dry sense of humor with perfect timing that cracked me up. Sorry for your loss tothe Richie family.
Doug Dahms
Wilson Football

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