Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard Earnest Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Republican & Herald on May 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Earnest

Sponsored by Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - East.

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Ann Hummel

May 23, 2024

I met Rick many years ago through my friendship with his sister, Barb. Spent a number of hours with him, Drew, and their circle of friends always laughing and eating fabulous food prepared by Rick. You are so missed. Peaceful rest, Rick.
Ann

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Earnest's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Richard Earnest

May

25

Service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East)

669 West Butler Dr., Drums, PA 18222

May

25

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East)

669 West Butler Dr., Drums, PA 18222

Funeral services provided by:

Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - East

669 W Butler Dr PO Box 429, Drums, PA 18222

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Earnest's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more