Richard Dewey Vannoy

Richard “Dick” VanNoy passed away peacefully at home on April 30th, 2018 supported by his family.

He was born in Troy, Pennsylvania to Howard and Gertrude VanNoy on October 25, 1930.

He was married in 1963 to Mary Faith (Seeley) VanNoy and demonstrated 54 years of unconditional love, commitment, and respect to his children, Kristen (Tom) Schneider, Michael (Deb) Black, Erin (Steve) Shirmer; grandchildren Aimee Zook, Dylan Schneider, Dain Shirmer, Adele Shirmer; and great grandchildren Madalyn and Camdyn Zook. He is also survived by two sisters, Merriel (Ray) Hickock and Laureen (Lyle) Wright and predeceased by his brother Bryce.

His commitment to conservation practices and responsible farming led to a career path that pulled him from the farm to the state grange and resulted in 30 years with the State in conservation. Although he left the farm, he never left behind his enjoyment in working with farmers and volunteers in the community who were committed to conservation. Most of his career was spent working with conservation districts in Pennsylvania, meeting great folks, and traveling the back roads and small towns of the Commonwealth.

Dick loved sailing and being outdoors but his passion was gardening. He was best known for his blueberries and homemade tomato sauce which he often shared with his family and friends. After retirement, he became a locally-praised woodcarver who loved to share his knowledge and art with others. He was known to always have a carved Santa Claus in his pocket to share with friends or visitors at his church.

He was active in many roles throughout his 40 years of membership at Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, sang with a barbershop chorus, served as an ambassador with Harrisburg Area Friendship Force, and spent 20 winters in Arizona where he enjoyed sunny times sharing laughs and playing games with friends from all over the United States and Canada.

Viewings will be from 5 to 7pm Wednesday and 9:30 until funeral services at 10:30am Thursday at Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, Etters. Private burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Troy, PA

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, http://fcsalem.org/ or Asana Hospice and Palliative Care, http://www.asanahospice.com/donations/