Richard H. Earnest

Richard H. Earnest, of Butler Twp., formerly of Ashland, passed over Thursday morning, April 25, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, having just returned from spending time at his home away from home, the Aruba Beach Club.

He was born April 13, 1947, in Williamsport, Pa., and raised by his parents, Frank Earnest III and Hellen Frances (Haines) Earnest.

Richard was a 1965 graduate of Williamsport High School, and he attended Kutztown State College, earning a Bachelor degree in art education in 1969.

He worked for North Schuylkill Area School District as a classroom educator for 30 years, having retired in June 1999. Richard worked with students from first to 12th grade and was high school yearbook adviser for over 10 years. He was very respected by his students, who caringly called him "Earn".

He was an active member of PSEA - Pennsylvania State Education Association - having volunteered his time as an officer in his local chapter and serving on the Eastern Region committees and the state retirement committee.

Richard's personal free time was spent either outside working in the gardens or inside in his kitchen. His greatest passion was spending and sharing that time cooking meals for friends and family. He took great pride in preparing his meal of Coquilles Saint Jacques from Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," page 216. When he met her at a book signing in Northampton, Mass., he told her that was the one recipe that always turned out perfectly and received the most compliments from his friends.

He is survived by his husband and best friend, Drew Pennoni, married in 2021 and living together for 52 years. Also surviving are two sisters, Barbara Sherk and Cathy Thiemen; sisters-in-law, Maribeth Pennoni and Elaine Pennoni; brother-in-law, Henry Pennoni; nieces, Erica Mazzeo and Hilary Pennoni; nephews, Joey Thieman and Andrew A. Pennoni; a great-niece, Adeline Mazzeo; and a great-nephew, Xavier Mazzeo.

Being that Ric was not a believer in organized religion, there will be a celebration of Ric's life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, from Harman Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday. In true Ric fashion, please wear your sandals, crazy socks, shorts and your wildest Caribbean or Hawaiian shirts. And don't forget your stories. If so inclined, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901; Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown, PA 18105-1883; or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.