June 04, 2025

My cousin, Dick Erisman, was as close to being a brother to me that I would ever have. Born just a few weeks apart in September, 1934, we grew up together thanks to my mother being his father’s brother and his mother and mine being friends. Dick and I were friends through elementary, middle school and high school and in Sunday School and youth fellowship at Millersville Reformed Church. We even started Millersville State Teachers College together in 1952 but I transferred to Temple University.
I loved watching him and several of our classmates play basketball. That team was terrific at Penn Manor High School in 1950 – 52. Dick helped me with math; I encouraged him to enjoy theatre! 
How proudly I watched him continue his study and work in education and in the church. How much I loved Sally, too, having known her first in high school.  We were separated by long distances many times, but always picked up our relationship each time we reconnected. He and Sally were supportive, encouraging, loving parents to their three children and later to their grandchildren, and of course, to their brothers and sisters.
Dick was so thoughtful of others. I remember his telling me when I asked how mutual friends were doing, he showed them such wonderful kindnesses and went out of his way to help them.  He was a good person.
I knew Dick had not been well and I was so very happy that while our son was visiting from California, he drove us the two hour drive to Lancaster on April 21, 2025, the day after Easter.  It would be the last time we saw Dick.  Cindy was there, too, being a great caretaker, and Dick was having a pretty good day. 
After our one hour plus visit, we hugged and said “Goodbye,” knowing it likely would be the last time we saw one another, and it was! 
It is unlikely that we will be able to get to his Life Celebration on July 19.  I am so grateful we celebrated our lives each time we were together over the past 90 years.  I love you, Cousin!
Jean Myers Brenner, first cousin

May 12, 2025

I thoroughly enjoyed his coaching of me in Millersville’s little league baseball.  My condolences on his passing.
James D. Lawrence

May 09, 2025

Dick and Sally participated in the TLC group that met for many years at my parent’s home in Ephrata. I enjoyed meeting them whenever I was in town to help, and appreciated Dick’s commitment to Christian education especially. Their many kind ways will always be remembered fondly. 
(I worked with Rev John Stamm in Central Penn Conf when I was the young camp director at Wesley Forest 1978-1981. As DS, he helped me re-open the Hironimus Union Chapel in Weikert and appointed me there as pastor in addition to being the Camp Director/Mgr. I’m guessing that son-in-law Mark is part of that extended family!) 
Lisa Jean Hoefner

May 09, 2025

We are deeply saddened by Uncle Dick’s passing but the joy in our hearts to know that he is reunited with Aunt Sally helps to comfort that sadness!! We have been thinking about all of you with much love and prayers during this time! We have so many fun memories with Uncle Dick – Ray was reminscing about their golfing days and I am grateful that I got to be included in the pinnochle groups and the Easter Egg Hunts at Willow Valley that our granddaughters got to be a part of! We love you all and look forward to celebrating a life well lived in July!! 
Hope Long

May 09, 2025

Sorry to hear of Richard’s death. I was District Superintendent when he began his ministry in Lancaster. 
David Loughery

May 08, 2025

May the resurrection hope we share in Christ sustain you in your grief. As a clergy colleague, I always valued Dick’s commitment to Christ and his faithful ministry.
Rev. Larry D Leister

May 08, 2025

So sorry for your loss.  Dick was a wonderful Bible study leader.

May 08, 2025

Dick and Sally were always an inspiration throughout my years at Hope UMC. Leading, guiding and mentoring many younger families and life issues.  Dick willingly took on teaching my oldest son how to drive, I will always be grateful for that stress relief!  And Sally was a long time hair salon client of mine, always sharing life stories. Blessings of peace to friends and families, they will be missed by many.