Richard William Bergstrasser

Richard W. Bergstrasser, 76, Lower Paxton Township, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 15, 2021 at his home.

Born November 6, 1944 in Kingston, PA, he was the son of the late William and Ethelda (Moon) Bergstrasser.

A 1962 graduate of Kingston High School, he continued his education at Wilkes College, attaining his bachelor’s degree in 1966. Later that year on December 17, Richard married the former E. Paula Witheridge. They moved to the Harrisburg area for his work and he ultimately retired as the Nursing Home and Hospital Auditor for the State Bureau of Financial Management.

As members of over 25 years, he and his wife were actively involved at CrossPoint United Methodist Church, Harrisburg, where he assisted with the Easter Egg Project and the CrossPoint Food Pantry; was a member of the Monday Morning Men’s Group and the Disciples Sunday School Class; provided in-home communion; and participated in several mission trips. He considered his church and his church family a true blessing from God.

In addition to his time at church, Richard donated to and volunteered at the Dauphin County Library, where he also taught reading; ushered at the Harrisburg Symphony, Hershey Theatre, Hershey Playhouse, Oyster Mill Playhouse and Mount Gretna; and enjoyed walking tremendously- especially as a member of the American Volksmarch. He was always on the go and loved to travel all over, especially visiting friends in Oregon and sight-seeing in Maine. Mostly, he cherished time spent with his family, and truly enjoyed his grandchildren; taking them to movies, playing board games, and going for walks.

Surviving is his beloved wife: E. Paula Bergstrasser; his 3 children: William P. Bergstrasser, Wilmington, DE, Valerie Bergstrasser, Camp Hill and Elly J. Sill (and her husband, Trever), Mechanicsburg; his brother: Robert Bergstrasser, Wilkes-Barre; his sister: Jane Schildt (and her husband, Jim), Kissimmee, FL; 4 grandchildren: Torrin Bergstrasser, Lauren Sill, Kyle Sill, and Sebastian Bergstrasser; several nieces and nephews; and many dear church friends, all of whom will miss him greatly.

A celebration of his life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at CrossPoint Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg, with the Rev. David D. Biser officiating. Friends will be received from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, February 26, 2021 at the church and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday prior to the service.

Covid-19 protocols of face coverings and social distancing will be required for all services.  Live stream will be available at https://boxcast.tv/view/celebration-of-life-for-richard-bergstrasser-nf2mvmblgwkjct7hpcrt

Contributions in his memory may be made to the CrossPoint Food Pantry, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg, 17109.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.