Obituary of Richard L. Hetrick

Richard L. Hetrick, 85, of Boalsburg, died Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Mount Nittany Medical Centre, State College. Born January 6, 1930, in Mt. Union, he was the son of the late Roy A. and M. Evelyn Parsons Hetrick. He married Beatrice M. Clark on April 19, 1958 in State College, who survives at home. He is survived by two daughters, Randi Neshteruk and her husband, Rex, of Bellefonte, Nancy Smoyer and her husband, John, of Boalsburg, sister-in-law, Elaine Blazosky and her husband, Joe, of State College, a brother-in-law, Edmond Marks, of State College, two grandchildren, Cody Neshteruk, of Chapel Hill, NC and Jesse Neshteruk, of Bellefonte and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Janet Miller, of Pittsburgh and Donna Marks, of State College. Richard was a 1947 graduate of State College Area High School. After graduating high school he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Stickell #888 during the Korean War. He was employed as a printer for Nittany Valley Offset formerly known as Himes Printing for 35 years until his retirement in 1995. He previously worked for the Wellsboro Agitator for six years from 1954-1960. He was a 50-year member at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the BPO Elks #1600 in State College, VFW in Bellefonte, American Legion Post #0779 in Centre Hall, and Tin Can Sailors. Richard had a lifetime involvement with sports, including baseball, fast pitch and slow pitch softball. He was one of the founders of Hess Field and he played ball whenever he could. His family was very important to him as were his German Shepherds. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Visitation will also be 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 prior to the service at Koch Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home with the Reverend Eric Shafer officiating. Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 100 West Station Square Drive, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801 or a charity of ones choice. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.