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John Rich Obituary
December 30, 2011
John W. Rich Sr., "Jack," "Boss," 86, of Key Largo, Fla., and formerly of Pottsville, passed away Friday evening at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, surrounded by his family.
Born in Minersville, July 3, 1925, he was a son of the late John B. and Helen S. Rich.
Jack attended Stanton Military Academy, Stanton, Va., as well as Penn State University.
He proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps.
Jack will be remembered as CEO of the Reading Anthracite Company, Gilberton Coal Company, Jack Rich Inc., and as the founder of numerous other corporations. He was also former director of Keystone Financial as well as other public corporations.
He was a longtime member of the Schuylkill Country Club, Ocean Reef Club, Pelican Bay and St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
Jack loved vintage automobiles, boating and most of all, his large family.
Jack was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, boss, colleague and friend.
He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Teresa Rich, to whom he was married for more than 50 years, and two sisters, Gloria Rich and Bonnie Ryan.
Jack is survived by his children, Judy Rich, Philadelphia, John Rich, Auburn, Betsy Rich, Shelburne, Vt., Brian and Valerie Rich, Orwigsburg, Jane and Scott Munro, Basalt, Colo., and Michael and Joannie Rich, Orwigsburg; grandchildren, Maura, Peter, Andrew, James, John Jr., Lia, Olivia, Isabel, Michael, Lauren, Brian Jr., Elle, William, Tessa, Lexi, Michael Jr. and Kyle; stepgrandchildren, Lauren and Jack; great-grandchildren, Levi and Peter Jr.; a very special friend of the family, Anna Butcavage.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Wednesday in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, with the Monsignor Edward J. O'Connor as celebrant. A viewing will also be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, 225 City Ave., Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc., Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rich
Joan Holmes
June 13, 2012
I am so sorry hearing about Jack. He was a joy to be around due his positive attitude. I had a wonderful time talking to him at the Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance in September.
Tom and Mary Ann Mackell
January 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family these days. Jack was such a warm and lively man who made even casual acquaintences feel like close friends. He was a gift to all of us.
Matthew Cohn
January 13, 2012
Our thoughts our wish your family.
- The Cohn Family
Siena Alford
January 8, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the entire Rich family from Jacqueline Lord Shields and the Shields family. Many fond memories.
-Siena Shields Alford
January 7, 2012
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father.
Simeone family
Ellen Rubesin
January 6, 2012
My thoughts are with the entire Rich family. Jack was an incredible man. On behalf of the Eastern PA Chapter of JDRF, I express my sincere condolences.
Ellen Rubesin
January 6, 2012
REST IN PEACE OUR OLD AND VALUED FRIEND
ELMER AND MARY PENCE AND FAMILY
BEACH HAVEN NEW JERSEY
Kathy Gassert
January 6, 2012
Dear John & Family,
May all the happy memories embrace your hearts and take away the sadness.Sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Kathy Gassert
January 6, 2012
Dear Jack,
Rest in peace. We will miss you.
Ed and Carroll
Betty B
January 5, 2012
I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
Sandra & Martin Button
January 5, 2012
May you find comfort in this time of need and know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sandra Button, Chairman
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Julie Munro
January 4, 2012
My thoughts are with you all.
Bob Ladd
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. The antique auto hobby has lost a true giant. As President of the Susquehanna Valley Region of the Horseless Carriage Club ,I bring you the most sincere sympathy of all our members.
Blessings,
Natalie Tracy
January 4, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rich family. We are sorry for your loss.
John & Natalie Tracy
January 4, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Rich family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He will be sadly missed.
-Jr Albon and Family
Paul & Merry Lynne Hamilton
January 4, 2012
We observed Jack as a father, confidant, boss, and a friend who had a keen sense of humor and a kind heart. He loved his family with whom we share our condolences. He is in our memories.
January 4, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Rich family. Jack was a good and kind friend to my father, and his parents and sisters were kind friends to my parents and to me.
Pete Ricchiuti
joseph hoskie
January 4, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prays are with you at this time of sorrow.
Steve,Jo, Jessie and Abby Munro
January 4, 2012
Thoughts are with the entire Rich family, what an incredible life lived!
Rick and Elaine Schmidt
January 4, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. He was such a kind man, with a big heart and great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rich family.
Ed Woodward
January 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Soondo & Jangwoo Lee
January 3, 2012
To The Rich Family
Please accept our sincere condolences.
John Sr. was kind thoughtful man and wonderful good neighbor to us for past 35 years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With sympathy.
Soondo and Jangwoo Lee and Family
Todd Schmoll &family
January 3, 2012
Dear Judy,John,Betsy,Brian,Jane,and mike,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss. When I started working on the Bussiness at 15 years old, little did I know that I was meeting a man who would have such a profound influence on my life. It was a pleasure and privilege to have known him. I am proud to say he was my friend. I will miss him.
Mike & Beth Ploxa
January 3, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rhoda Weir
January 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Jr & Rhoda Borrell
January 3, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 3, 2012
Our condolences to the Rich family in their time of loss.
We were honored to have known your father as a friend and employer.
Bob and Ethel Kane
Bill and Lori Anders
January 3, 2012
Our condolences to the Rich family, May our thoughts and prayers be with you at this time.
January 3, 2012
"Our deepest condolences to all jacks family on your father passing . We are honor to know him. Mary and Peter benedict..(gwynedd valley,Pa) Rita Tornetta.(blue bell, Pa)
Juliann Green, JDRF
January 3, 2012
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jack's generosity, leadership and commitment over many years has meant so very much to JDRF. I pray that memories and being together as a family will comfort you in this difficult time.
January 3, 2012
Our Deepest Sympathies
Dan and Suzanne Nesi
Jerry & Joanne Shields McCready
January 3, 2012
To the Rich Children and their families
Even though many years have past since seeing your father last there are many, many fond memories of the man that my sisters and I often referred to as "Uncle Jack." He was employer, friend and even another brother to our Dad, Joe. Many stories of their what we could call adventures we now tell our children so they get a chance to know their grandfather and Jack was a big part of his life as I know my Dad was a big part in all of yours.
Your loss is great, our prayers and sympathy is with all of you.
David Polson and Holly Hulfish
January 3, 2012
Condolences to all of Jack's family, friends and acquaintances. Jack was a true gentleman and will be missed by all.
Rick Dermo
January 3, 2012
My Deepest Condolences to the Rich Family in their time of sadness.... I was honored to have known Him....
Employees of Girard Breaker
January 3, 2012
To the Rich family, our heartfelt sympathy for your family on your father's passing. May he rest in peace.
Shin Takahashi - Midlantic Machinery Inc.
January 3, 2012
His warm smiling face and plain witty words whenever I've bumped into him at the pizza place remain.
My sincere condolences to the Rich family.
January 3, 2012
Our prayers are with you at this time. Our deepest condolences to your family.
Craig & Patty Shoener
Stephen Murphy
January 3, 2012
Our sincerest condolences from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection.
January 3, 2012
We are so thankful we made it up to the museum this past year to see Jack's amazing collection. He was such a kind, hospitable man who talked so highly of his family. He will be greatly missed in the car community. Todd & Teianna Librandi
Barb Warcola
January 3, 2012
Dear Rich Family,
My deepest sympathies on the passing of your Father. May your fond memories keep you close at heart.
Cordially,
MARK LEUTHE
January 3, 2012
To Brian, his brothers and sisters,
I am sure your time with your father was special and hopefully that will dominate your memories of him. He was a true maverick and I sure he touched many lives. Mark Leuthe
Carol Snyder
January 3, 2012
Peace and love to the family as you remember what a wonderful father you had and the great person he was. We will miss him here at the Gilberton office.
Jeannette sophy
January 2, 2012
To the Rich family our sincere condolences to you all at this sad time, you are in our thought's and prayers. Chuck and Jeannette Sophy and family.
January 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Mr. & Mrs. William "Casey" White
A. Jack & Joann Nedinsky
January 2, 2012
Our deepest condolences on your loss
January 2, 2012
My condolences to the Rich family. May god be with you all in your loss, praying that god will grant you peace to ease your heart. My deepest sympathies, Margaret George
LINDA HATTER
January 2, 2012
Words cannot express the grief that I feel in hearing of Mr Rich's passing. He always called me Mrs. Hatter and I felt like the most important person in the world. W hen a man of his level can make a service person feel so special that is a sign of internal greatness. I will miss him terribly, but I know that I have another friend in Heaven.
My deepest sympathies.
Bob and Lil Freiler
January 2, 2012
So sorry for your loss.
January 2, 2012
To John, Brian, Michael and the entire Rich Family
On behalf of Andy Muller and all of the employees of the Reading & Northern, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Wayne Michel
Lisa Suender Wapinsky
January 2, 2012
This just makes me really sad. I am so sorry for the grief you are feeling right now. Remember the love and the memories you have shared. I love you all and I loved your dad. Thanks for sharing him. Peace.
Denise, Kim & Alyssa Covas
January 2, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father and Friend. He was truly a wonderful and very generous man, an icon of his time. We are so glad we got to see him (at Palermos) before he went into the hospital. He will truly be missed by everyone, especially my mother and our grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rich Family at this time of great sorrow.
January 2, 2012
Our heartfelt sympathy to Janie, Scott, Tessa and Lexi and the entire Rich family. He will be remembered forever for his generosity and fun, and will be missed by so many. You are all in our thoughts.
Clarke and Betsy and the Munro family
Ken Visser
January 2, 2012
My condolences to the family and friends of the esteemed Mr Jack Rich. We have lost one of our guiding lights in the world of collector automobiles. My humble thanks for all you have preserved and shared with the world. Future generations will be grateful for the many positive examples you have set.
Dr. William B. Shugars III
January 2, 2012
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. John Rich. He was a good friend and a fine gentleman. God Bless.
Mary Anne Bartholomew Greystone Restaurant
January 2, 2012
The Rich family is in our thoughts and prayers. I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us, they still live through us & give us strength. The time we have spent with Jack makes him part of us. We are so glad to have known him, and we all realize he was a very special person that will never be able to be replaced. Words can't explain how much he will be missed! He will remain very alive in our memories! We feel very blessed to have known him!
January 2, 2012
Our deepset sympathies to your family. You are all in our prayers.
Harriet & Bob Parrish (Frackville, PA)
January 2, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Seal Cove Auto Museum
Robert & Josetta Galetz
January 2, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeff Orwig
January 2, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to all of the Rich family and to Jack's close associates. My connection to Jack was in the old car world, and he was the consummate gentleman, generous beyond belief, with a bright sense of humor unlike any I have ever known. He was a true class act and he will be greatly missed. I am honored to have known him.
Vince Land
January 2, 2012
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Rich family on the loss of Jack. We know he will be missed. May your family find peace in good memories and good friends. Sincerely, Vince and Dolly Land
Chip Lamb
January 2, 2012
The entire collector automobile hobby has lost a friend in Jack Rich, someone who shared with everyone the best of the best. A true enthusiast in what he did, he will be missed. I am fortunate to have seen him recently, doing what he loved to do best. Sincerest condolences to Jack's family and friends, Chip Lamb
Bill Combs
January 2, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Rich Family. I first met Mr. Rich in the early 1970's when I went to work for the family company, Tamaqua Cable, Schulykill Haven. Always a gentleman--he will really be missed. Bill Combs
Shelby Zehner
January 2, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the entire Rich family.
Claudia Moyer, RN
January 2, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss.
George Woodward
January 2, 2012
To All of the Rich Family
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. I'am sure he is in heaven watching over you ALL.
May God Bless George B. Woodward Jr.
Retired Tamaqua Police
Chief current employee
Marilou McKnight Hoppe
January 1, 2012
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And , until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
In sympathy,
Marilou McKnight Hoppe
David Ebert
January 1, 2012
My sincere condolences to Rich Family.
David Ebert
January 1, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 1, 2012
With deepest sympathy may your faith in god give you strength and bring you peace at this difficult time.
With Sympathy, John Sedor and Family
Mahanoy Plane
January 1, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. John Warcola, Lavelle
John Manue
January 1, 2012
My condolences to the Rich family.
January 1, 2012
Jack was a kind,caring, & thoughtful person. He always talked to us employees like a friend & never once made us feel he was better than any one of us. He was a true gentleman with a lot of class. He will be truly missed. He's reunited with Terry now. with sincere sympathy to the entire Rich family.
Bonnie & Dennis Gawrylik
January 1, 2012
TO THE WONDERFUL RICH FAMILY I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF JOHN SR.
I AM SURE THAT JOHN, BRIAN AND MICHAEL WILL CARRY ON WHERE YOU LEFT OFF AND YOU WILL BE PROUD AS YOU WATCH OVER THEM FROM ABOVE. GOD BLESS.
DAVID CHRIST
Jack & Christine Serratore
January 1, 2012
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead
You have our sincerest condolences
Holly Barrett
January 1, 2012
You are in my thouhghts and prayers
January 1, 2012
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Jack was always a wonderful friend. He will be surely missed.
Howard Rosenthal
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