Richard W. Luther Sr.

Richard W. “Dick” Luther Sr., 93, of 14 Williams Street, Bradford, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Bradford Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 30,1929, in Patton, Dick was the son of the late Leroy and Alma Dunnegan Luther.

He was a 1948 graduate of Patton High School.  Dick was a veteran of the United States Army, and served as a military policeman during the Korean War.

He attended Brevard College, in Brevard, NC and Mt. Saint Mary’s College, in Emmitsburg, MD.

On April 26,1956 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Westminster, MD, he married Bettie Lee (Cromwell) Luther who died March 21, 2015. 

Dick sold insurance as an AFLC agent for over 50 years.  For the last 26 years he along with his son, Rich, owned and operated Luther Excavating Services.  He was affectionately known as Mr. Slate at various work sites,

He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, McKean County Republican Party and Patton Volunteer Fire Department.  He served on the board and was treasurer for the Bradford City Water Authority since its inception in 1980.

Dick held a special place in his heart for animals and volunteered for many years at the McKean County SPCA. He also assisted in the Bradford Central Christian High School Ramblers / Bradford Area High School Owls recycling program. He was a volunteer for the United Way of the Bradford Area and many local organizations. Also eager to help, Dick came with a smile, a hard work ethic and a few jokes to make everyone feel at ease.

Surviving are two daughters, Melanie (Tom) Shay, of Bradford, and Michele (Bruce) Kesting of Littlestown; two sons: Richard (Kristen Tate) Luther, of Bradford, and Timothy Luther of Hanover, “Pappy” to four grandchildren, Tiffanie Luther, Kathleen Shay, Lauren Luther and William Luther; one sister, Ruth Semonich, of Patton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, wife Bettie Lee of 58 years, three brothers, his twin, Robert, Howard and James Luther.

Family will receive friends Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 2 pm to 4 pm & 6 pm to 8 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11:00 am in St. Bernard Church with Fr. John Jacquel, Pastor, as celebrant. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion Post 108 Honor Guard in St. Bernard Cemetery following the mass.

Memorial contribution if desired may be made to McKean County SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com