Richard E. Ahalt

YORK – Richard E. Ahalt, 90, passed unto the Lord on May 11, 2014 at Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of the late Josephine (Harrold) Ahalt. Born February 24, 1924 in York a son of the late H. Earl and Helen (Eyster) Ahalt, he was a 1942 graduate of William Penn Senior High School. Mr. Ahalt proudly served in the US Army as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, as Staff Sgt. In the 674 Para Glider, Field Artillery Battalion from Feb. 1943 till March 1946. He served in the campaigns of New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon, Okinawa, and finally occupied Japan. For his service he received the Presidential Unit Citation, two Bronze Stars, five ribbons, and two Arrow Heads. After the war he became a welder for George F. Motter Co. and later retired from Teledyne Readco in 1989. Before retiring he was a shop steward and treasurer for USWA Local. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting all his life. His last trip afield was last year at the age of 89. Richard leaves behind two daughters, Susan K. (Ahalt) Reiley and husband E.C. Reiley, and Sandra L. (Ahalt) Ramer and husband Edward Ramer; a son, Richard E. Ahalt, II and companion Kathy Tittle. He was a proud and dedicated grandfather to 11 grandchildren, James Rife, II, Julie Rife, Dana Ross, Chad Ramer, Richard Ahalt, III, Josie Ahalt, Chad Reiley, Kory and Jessica Stahl, Samantha and Ashley Tittle; ten great grandchildren, Allie, Emma, Abby, Becca, Jaccob, Aiden, Gabriel, Silas, Kalyn, and Matthew. To each he was affectionately known as Pop or Papaw. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jayne E. Ahalt. Funeral service and burial will be private. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements.