Richard A. Beggs

Richard A. Beggs, age 92, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at his home in Maxatawny Township, PA.  He was born in Confluence, PA on September 21,1930 to Emily K. and Charles D. Beggs. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 64 years, daughter Tracey and son-in-law Gregg Kelly, as well as many nieces and nephews. His son Peter predeceased him in death in 1976. The youngest of 6 children, he was predeceased by brother Walter and sisters Elaine, Dorothy, Helen, and Martha. 

Dick was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Air Force weather service in the South Pacific. He was a proud Penn State graduate, earning his degree in Music Education in 1959. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Lehigh University. 

His first elementary music teaching job was in Bellville, PA. In 1961 he began teaching in the Kutztown School district, where he remained until he retired in 1993. He loved teaching and never considered it a job. Dick felt that not only was he teaching music, he was teaching his students lessons that would serve them the rest of their lives. 

He was instrumental in starting the Kutztown Area Teachers Association, serving as President for several years. He also served on the Maxatawny Township zoning hearing board, including several years as Chairman. 

He and Patty were fortunate to have many years to enjoy their retirement. Their travel in the US and Europe gave them the opportunity to see places they had read about, to make new friends and spend time with family. Highlights were seeing the beaches of Normandy and playing St Andrews. Dick was an avid golfer, playing well into his 80s, scoring his first hole-in-one in his early-80s. Their home was always filled with music, and they attend many concerts of different styles of music. He and Patty purchased a home in their hometown, where he enjoyed spending time with family.  Dick was an avid reader of history and was involved in starting the Turkeyfoot Valley Historical society. 

He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kutztown, PA where services will be held on September 23, 2023. Visiting hour will be from 11-12 and the funeral and celebration of his life at 12pm.  

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Edward J Hildenbrand Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ memorial fund or Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society, Confluence, PA. 

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