Richard Hafer

Richard Peter Hafer, beloved father, grandfather, and frienda�"most recently of Williamsport, PA and born in Reading, age 94a�"passed away peacefully at the Williamsport Home on April 3rd, 2018. He is survived by his son, Gary R. Hafer of Williamsport; Marjorie Maddox Hafer, his daughter-in-law; and his two grandchildren, Anna Lee and William Richard.
Born on January 24, 1924, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Richard grew up there and, during WWII, served in the US Army Infantry during the fiercest fighting in the Pacific theater, 1942-1945. Under the GI Bill, he graduated with a diploma from the former Wyomissing Technical School and worked at Berks Engineering for 35 years as a machinist, retiring in May, 1986. One of his proudest achievements was machining pieces for restored, steam locomotives that were later used in historic reenactments.
He was a voracious crossword-solver, prolific bowler, trumpeter, Boston Red Sox fan, and amateur radio (ham) operator in which he connected with fellow hams in over 300 countries. In 2013, medical complications forced him to enter the skilled nursing unit of the Williamsport Home, but he flourished there as a PEER advisor, part of a pilot program from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to welcome new residents. It was then that he converted to the Roman Catholic Church and became a member of St. Joseph the Worker. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by family, bowling friends, and the resident community and its gracious caretakers at the Williamsport Home.
He is preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Virginia Martha (Folk) Hafer (2007), also of Reading, PA; by siblings Charles A., Allen, and Mary Jane (Krisher) Hafer; and by his parents, Allen D. and Mary A. (Moore); all of Reading.
A graveside Memorial Service will be held on April 9, 1:30 pm, at the Forest Hills Memorial Park, Lot Q, 390 West Neversink Road. Reading, 19606.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his name to St. Joseph the Worker parish, 702 W 4th St, Williamsport, PA 17701. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.