Harry G. Richner Obituary
Harry G. Richner, 90, of Bellefonte, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on July 9, 1933, in Marsh Creek, he was the son of the late Lee and Winifred (Lucas) Richner. On March 17, 1956, in State College, he married Iva F. "Flo" Franklin. Flo passed away on May 1, 2010.
Harry was a 1952 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on May 27, 1953, and earned the rank of PFC before receiving his honorable discharge on May 26, 1955. He served during the Korean Conflict and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service.
When Harry returned home from his military duty, he became a farm manager taking pride in the recognition and awards his dairy cattle received in various competitions. Although he had a true passion for farming and the dairy business, in 1961 he went to work at Warner Co. in Bellefonte. He retired in 1995 after 34 years having started as a mine laborer working his way to Stone End Operator. Harry owned and operated Harry's Back to Basics store in downtown Bellefonte for a short time. He enjoyed collecting treasures at various yard sales and auctions. His theory was, "one man's junk is another man's treasure".
Harry stayed busy after retirement with cooking, canning fruit and vegetables, vacuum sealing dry goods and freezer items, and spending time at his camp with friends and family. He was quite a storyteller and loved to socialize. Harry could spark a conversation with anyone, even if they just met. He was always able to connect the dots and figure how he knew their family or a friend of the family. He had an amazing memory and could remember most names, faces, places, and dates.
Harry was a member of the Nittany Valley Antique Association, Warner Company/Bellefonte Lime Breakfast Club, Centre County Rails to Trails, and was the Past President of the Operating Engineers Union Local 542. He proudly received the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award at CentrePeace.
Harry was a father figure and mentor to many of his younger siblings, his wife's younger siblings, and untold number of other relatives and co-workers. He was the salt of the earth and would do anything for anyone. He was very reliable. If he said he would do something, you could count on it being done. He was aways there for his family, especially his grandchildren.
Harry is survived by his children: Michael D. Richner of Bellefonte, Randy L. Richner and his wife, Joanne, of Howard, Tammy R. Connelly and her husband, Mike, of Pleasant Gap, and Greg L. Richner and his wife, Rona, of Bellefonte; six grandchildren: Beth, Ryan, Cody, Sean, Mykhala, and Matthew and two great grandchildren: Morgan and Brayden.
He is also survived by his three brothers: Carl "Shorty" Richner and his wife, Hazel, of Milesburg, Darrel Richner and his wife, Deb, of Julian, and Budd Richner and his wife, Annette, of Lancaster; three sisters: Zelda Lutz and her husband, Earl, of Bellefonte, Gloria Richner of Bellefonte, and Helen Hillard of Duncannon, and numerous nieces and nephews through multiple generations.
Along with his parents and wife, Harry was preceded in death by one brother, Gerald Richner and two sisters: Gladys Kellerman and Vivian McKinley.
There will be a public viewing on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 10-12 noon at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Milesburg. Funeral service will follow at 12noon at the funeral home, with Pastor Andrew Morgan officiating. Military honors will be accorded after the funeral service. The burial will be private at Reformed Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to CentrePeace Restoring Lives, 3047 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Milesburg, PA.
