Reverend Richard L. Peris, Jr., of Lancaster, passed away peacefully Friday, December 7, 2012, at Hospice & Community Care, Lancaster.

Born in Lancaster on April 28, 1940, he was the husband of Barbara (Miller) Peris of Lancaster, and the son of the late Richard L. Peris, Sr., and Nellie Elizabeth (Hargan) Peris.  His first wife, Billie Jean (Carter) Peris passed away in 2002.

At the time of his death, Reverend Peris was the pastor at United Pentecostal Church in Lancaster for 37 years.  He was a member of UCPI where he acted as Presbyter, and was also the former superintendent.  He was the bookkeeper/treasurer of AFSCME.  Rev. Peris was employed as a mechanic for PennDOT, retiring in 2002.

He was a graduate of McCaskey High School and a 1974 graduate of Texas Bible College.

An Air Force veteran, he was dedicated to his church and his Lord, gentle and kind to all.  He will be sadly missed by those whose lives he touched.

In addition to his wife of nine years, he is survived by two brothers:  Donald C. and John W. Peris, both of Lancaster county; five sisters:  Linda L. Evans, Dianne M. Wolf, Joanne M. Smiley, Joyce E. Gephart, and Karen P. McLellan, all of Lancaster county; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda L. Peris.  He is also survived by five stepdaughters:  Connie Carter and her husband Bradley of Mineral Ridge, OH, Cynthia Anderson of Austintown, OH, Christina Russell of Rogersville, TN, Carolyn Anderson of Warre, OH, and Crystal Anderson of Mineral Ridge, OH;

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with Rev. Keith Barker officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the funeral home, and again on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. Kindly omit flowers.  Memorial contributions may be made to United Pentecostal Church, 747 Centerville Rd., Lancaster, PA  17602. To place a condolence online, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100