Obituaries

Richard W. Longsderff, 87

02/12/1934 - July 17, 2021

Richard W Longsderff was born February 12, 1934 in Pine Grove Township, Schuylkill County, PA to the late Grant A. and Katie E. (Kohr) Longsderff. He was a graduate of Pine Grove High School Class of 1952. In high school Richard lettered in basketball and baseball. He was the President of his graduating class.

Richard served in the United States Navy as a 1st Class EMT Petty Officer from 1952-1956 during the Korean Conflict.

Richard married Eva L. (Daubert) Longsderff on November 28, 1953 and they recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. He is survived by two children, David R. Longsderff (Brenda) of Columbia and Sandra A. Schaeffer (Clark Scott) of Ephrata. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Andrew Longsderff, Joshua Longsderff and his wife Kelly, Kristen Longsderff, Benjamin Schaeffer and Grant Schaeffer. He was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Longsderff and sister, Anna Mae Longsderff both of Pine Grove, PA.

Richard was a graduate of Tri-State University with a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. His career included 27+ years at RCA and was one of the founding partners of Thermacore, Inc of Lancaster.
He was an active member of the First Church of God of Lancaster, now known as Chestnut Hill Church. Richard served his church well as a Sunday School Teacher for almost 50 years and on the official church board, many as the chairman. He held numerous committee positions in the local Eastern Regional Churches of God and the General Conference of the Churches of God of North America. He served as a board trustee for the University of Findlay for 13 years and as a board trustee for Winebrenner Theological Seminary for almost 14 years. He also served as the Chairman of the Board for the start of the Scotland Campus in Chambersburg, PA.

Richard had numerous hobbies that found him gardening, fruit and nut propagation, hunting and just doing what would help others. He had a passion for people and a passion for life.

A Viewing will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm at Chestnut Hill Church, 344 W Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603. A Funeral Service will be held at the church on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 4:00pm. Guests will be received prior to the service starting at 3:00pm. Interment will be held privately at Suedberg Church of God Cemetery in Pine Grove, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Chestnut Hill Church at the address above.

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Condolences to the Family

July 22, 2021

Again after meeting the Family today at the Viewing for Dick;it was my honor to repeat my message in the name of my Friend Dick. —-
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS DICK AND HIS GREAT FAMILY !!
Tom Yingst

July 20, 2021

I’m very sorry for your loss. Dick was a great person and always had a smile on his face. He accomplished so much in his life and was an example too many. May he rest in peace.
Anita (Massey) Bowers

July 20, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the family of Richard Longsderff. What a tremendous man of God! The greatest memory of Dick (as he was known) was his tremendous teaching the Golden Rule Sunday School class over many years. Everyone enjoyed the stories he shared from his life and how he applied them to the scriptures. The good times, the laughs, joys, sorrows shared will never be forgotten. I know Dick was so proud of his family and you are all blessed to have had this man as your father, grandfather, husband. To me he was a spiritual father and hero of the Chrisitian faith. His uncompromising committment to God’s Word in an world that has increasingly rejected the truth found in Jesus Christ alone was greatly appreciated. Thank-you, Dick, for all the encouragement you gave me over the years. One quote I frequently heard him say was this: whenever someone asked how he was doing he said “better than I deserve.” While we mourn the loss of this beloved Chrisitian we also remember the hope we have that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Well done, good and faithful servant, are the first words Dick heard the moment he left this world. Till me meet again, my dear friend in Christ. – Patricia A. Fasnacht

July 20, 2021

so long dick we will miss you. Shane grace before we ate our breakfast and those wonderful apples you brought for each of us.
Jere Stabley

July 20, 2021

Dear Eva & family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Dick was my boss and mentor for a few years at RCA in the engineering department, and it was a pleasure to work with a person that believed in you and treated you with respect in such a fine manor. I will be forever grateful for the help and guidence he gave me as a young engineer… RIP Dick
Joseph Wright

July 19, 2021

Eva and family,
Lloyd and I were very sad to read of Dick’s passing. We always enjoyed our visits with you wherever we happen to “run” into you. Especially the day we came to your home. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. It was a blessing to call him a friend. A true gentleman. Keeping you close in our hearts. We have family arriving from the Midwest and will not be able to pay our respects this week. Our love and hugs to you. Lloyd and Brenda Jacobson

July 19, 2021

I am so sad that wonderful Dick has left us. He was such a kind and caring man who always treated me with love and support. It was time for him to meet Jesus. He will always be missed. Blessings to his family. The angels are rejoicing and the fond memories will last! Love You always – now your with my Mom & Dad – I’ll see you when it is my time to see Jesus❤️
Lynne

July 19, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathies to your entire family. Rest in God’s peace. The Tim Sweigart family.

July 19, 2021

I remember him well. He had a great sense of humor and big heart. Hugs to you and your family, Sandy.
Barb Myers (Kauffman)

Visitation: Wednesday, July 21, 2021; 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Chestnut Hill Church; 344 W. Chestnut St.; Lancaster, PA 17603
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Visitation: Thursday, July 22, 2021; 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Chestnut Hill Church; 344 W. Chestnut St.; Lancaster, PA 17603
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Services: Thursday, July 22, 2021; 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Chestnut Hill Church; 344 W. Chestnut St.; Lancaster, PA 17603
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