Richard Ernest Price

Richard Ernest Price, 77, of Hanover Township, PA, passed away on October 30, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born December 24, 1946, in Carbondale, PA, he lived most of his life In Bethlehem.

Throughout his life, Richard was called different names by different people.

While growing up in the East Hills neighborhood of Bethlehem, a place where he established friendships that endured a lifetime, or at Liberty High School (class of 1964) he was often known as "Richie."

To his younger friends he was known as "Big Rich," a title earned not by physical presence, but by the size and character of his heart.

Strangers in public often called him "Army," since he proudly wore a hat emblazoned with "ARMY" on it wherever he went. He earned this name while serving in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer, Infantryman, and Specialist, 4th Class from 1966-1969.

To others he could be called "Coach," serving as a coach to all three of his son's youth baseball teams at North Central Little League where he also served as board member.

To his parents, the late Ernest and Betty (Edwards) Price, he was simply known as "Rich," but that name doesn't explain his role. As a faithful and devoted son, he served as their primary caretaker as they aged, providing loving in-home care for both of them.

But if you asked him, he would tell you his favorite name was "Poppa," a name used by his five grandchildren--granddaughters Maeve and Caroline, and grandsons Lochlann, Trevor, and Bodey. Since their infancy, his house became their daycare. Their lives became his. When they became school-age, he guided their online learning during the pandemic: creating unforgettable memories both with and for them. It was these relationships with his grandchildren that engendered his greatest source of pride and purpose.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie Ann (Kauffman) Price, sisters Janice Price, and Betty Ann Grunza and husband Jim, sons Patrick and wife Jessica, Shawn and wife Maura, Christopher and wife Samantha, aforementioned grandchildren, niece Kristen George and husband Chris, and niece Kelly Grunza.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lehigh County Humane Society, Wounded Warriors, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. A ceremony of remembrance and military honors will immediately follow, celebrating a life of honor, generosity, and selflessness.

Condolences may be shared at www.connellfuneral.com.