Richard Villforth

Mr. Richard Villforth, 101, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Reading Hospital.   

He was the husband of Betty M. (Rickenbach) Villforth whom he married on December 18, 1948.

Born in Reading, PA, he was a son of the late Frederick J. and Gertrude (Moll) Villforth.

Richard graduated from Reading High School, Class of 1937.  He attended Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute and was employed by the Berkshire Knitting Mills.  On December 11, 1941, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps.  He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After his discharge, he attended Bucknell University and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.  

He was employed by the former Gilbert Associates, Inc. for 35 years.  He worked on the design and construction of fossil fuel and nuclear power generating stations in the U.S., Spain, Japan, Korea, and Yugoslavia.  At the time of his retirement in 1985, he was serving as Manager of Projects.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Reading where he served in many positions including Trustee, Sunday School Officer and had also been a member of the Bell Choir.  He was also active in the Reading Berks Conference of Churches where he served on the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee and for 20 years was Chairman of the Easter Dawn Service Committee.

Dick was an avid reader and enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are:  Daughters, Kathleen, wife of Oliver McComsey of Shillington; Joyce, wife of Craig Caltagirone of Shillington.

Four Grandchildren:  Kelly (Stephen) Bennett, Erin (Daniel) Sea, Laura (Zak Bowman) Rudy, and Megan (Nick) Habecker.

He is also survived by ten great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Frederick J. Villforth, Jr. and George R. Villforth and one sister, Maryan Christman.

Funeral Service and Interment are private.

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