Richard S. Will, 95

October 26, 2025

Richard S. Will, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA. He was the son of the late Lloyd and Eva Will. He was preceded in death by his three brothers: Lloyd Jr., Ray, and Eugene. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara (Grill) Will, his three daughters Jody Lausch (wife of Robert Lausch), Peggy Will, and Jennifer Shettel (wife of Ted Shettel), five grandchildren: Adam Lausch, Elizabeth (Lausch) Elmer, Jordan Lausch, Noah Shettel, Lucy Shettel, and five great-grandchildren.

Richard was born in 1930 and was a long-time resident of Ephrata, PA. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1948 and served as class reunion leader for many years. In 1952, Richard graduated from Millersville University and completed his master’s degree in Education at Temple University in 1956. In the 1960’s Rich continued with graduate work in history, also at Temple University.

As a navy reservist, Rich was called to active duty in 1952 and served for two years as an officer aboard the DE-447, Albert T. Harris. His career as a teacher in the Warwick School District began in 1954 and included studying the Russian language at F&M College as well as Dartmouth College. Rich taught elementary Russian at Warwick in the 1960’s. He served as a principal for one year in the Manheim Central school district before taking a job as a professor of Educational Foundations at Millersville University in 1969. Rich retired as a Full Professor from Millersville in 1990.

Rich was an active member of Bethany United Church of Christ in Ephrata for many years, where he taught Sunday School classes, served on the Consistory, and worked to preserve the church’s history through the publication of several book projects. Rich enjoyed serving on the board of the Cocalico Valley Historical Society as well as the Ephrata Recreation Center.

In 2018, Rich and his wife Barbara moved to the Moravian Manor community, enjoying their life there together. Rich loved reading, travelling, and artistic drawings.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Bethany UCC, 140 E Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522. The family will receive guests beginning at 9:30 AM. A time of food and fellowship will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, friends may send monetary donations to Bethany UCC (Ephrata) or the Moravian Manor Benevolent Fund (Lititz).