Richard E. Sfingas

Richard E. Sfingas, 91, of Spring Township, passed away Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 9:05pm at the Reading Hospital. He was the husband of the late Ruth E. Sfingas. Born in Reading, Mr. Sfingas was the son of the late George and Lillian Sfingas. Richard had a rich history in the Navy between 1953-1961, having been on the USS Hornet, and afterwards stationed off the coast of Bikini Island in the Pacific to see the nuclear bomb testing, before being stationed in Japan. He then went on to attend barber school, running a barber shop in Mt. Penn with his father until deciding to pursue a career in carpentry and cabinet making, a self-taught skill set he continued until he was 89 years old, when his family finally convinced him to retire. Richard enjoyed fishing with both his son and grandsons, and began building model airplanes and ships after he could no longer work as a carpenter. He also loved sports, and was a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. A man of few words, he would open up any time either of his favorite teams were brought up, or if he was given the chance to entertain his family with stories of his days in the Navy. He also loved to watch games with his grandchildren, and even got to witness the Eagles winning the Superbowl with his family around him to celebrate. Though nothing made him happier then when his whole family would get together. 

Mr. Sfingas is survived by his children, Denise R. Lengel, loving companion of Kevin Taylor of Sinking Spring; Richard B. Sfingas husband of Eileen Sfingas of Temple, his grandchildren Kristen Kriebel, Melissa Kaucher, Richard Sfingas, Rachel Haines, Michael Lutz, Tyler Henry, Shannon Aquila, as well as his 14 great-grandchildren, whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Sfingas, his daughter, Diane, his parents, George and Lillian Sfingas, and his siblings George Sfingas, Helen Moser, Louise Wagner, Ann Yocum, Dorothy DeFazio and Mary Marks. 

Prayer Service will be held at St. George Chapel at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, on Friday, August 9th, at 10:30am. (Please enter the black gates before the main entrance of the cemetery and after Holy Guardian of Angel). Reverend Thomas P. Bortz will officiate. Richard’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support our veterans. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.