Richard S. Happel, 87 of Birdsboro, PA passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Leonard W. and Miriam I. (Penn) Happel. He was the husband of Mary Lou (Spencer) Happel, who were married for 67 years.
Dick started working at the age of 9, at the cast iron foundry in Monocacy before and after school. He worked at his father’s lumber and coal yard since the age of 10, later owning the business, Happel Lumber & Supply in Birdsboro. He served our country in the U.S. Army.
After being discharged he began working at the lumber yard and followed a lifelong service volunteering in the Birdsboro Community. Dick was Past Commander 3x of the American Legion Post 626 in Birdsboro, spent 20 years driving the American Legion Ambulance and was President of the assoc. for 5 years, after being apart of the first EMT Class of Berks Co. He was a member of the Lions and Optimist Clubs, was a member and chairman of Birdsboro Zoning-Hearing Board for 16 years, member of Planning Commission Board, Borough Council President and served on Council for 8+ years, Past Master of Union Lodge 479 F&AM, and a member of St. Paul’s UCC church in Birdsboro. He obtained his pilot license in 1958 and was part of Parachute Club Maytown, making 3 jumps. Dick loved meeting his friends for coffee every Saturday morning.
Surviving Dick, along with his wife, Mary Lou, are 3 daughters: Wendy L. Cooper, wife of Wayne, Kathy A. Gasser, wife of David, Melissa K. Kreidie, partner of Monica Zepeda; sister: Marilyn Bates; 5 grandchildren: Brandon, Yasmine, Samuel, Derek, Madison; 3 step-grandchildren: Wayne, Nicole, Cheyenne; and 6 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter: Pamela J. Spinale and brother: Ronald S. Happel.
A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Birdsboro Cemetery, 1018 E. Main St. Birdsboro, PA 19508 with a Masonic Service at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to American Legion Post 626, 445 E. Main St. Birdsboro, PA 19508, St. Paul’s UCC, 235 W. 2nd St. Birdsboro, PA 19508, or Berks ARL, 58 Kennel Rd. Birdsboro, PA 19508