Richard Kenneth Heverling

Richard Kenneth Heverling, 93, of Palmyra, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Born Sunday, July 13, 1930 in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Harry and Elizabeth (Spayd) Heverling. He was married 57 years to Gloria A. (Ranieri) Heverling who passed away May 25, 2008.

Richard joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from Lebanon High School in 1948.  He served during the Korean War, but in a twist of fate, he was destined to play baseball instead of fighting as a Marine.  The Marine Corps quickly discovered Richard “Lefty” Heverling’s skill as a pitcher, and he was assigned to pitch as one of the leading team members of the El Toro Flying Bulls. While in the Marines, he pitched against many of baseball’s future greats, who were also serving their country at the time. Ultimately, “Lefty” recognized that a baseball career was too uncertain for a man who had just married and had his first child. Upon his discharge, he worked at Lebanon Valley Offset in Annville where he had a 39-year career as an offset press operator until his retirement.  After retirement, Richard and Gloria worked as volunteers at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, where they also resided, serving other seniors where needed.  Richard also was employed in the laundry at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home and as a member of the janitorial staff of the Palmyra Area School District.

Richard was a man who was disciplined, dedicated and committed, especially when focused upon serving others.  He was a long-time member and elder at Palmyra First Assembly of God, and regularly spent time visiting the sick.  Also, his job at the Palmyra Schools opened the door for one of his favorite activities – talking about faith, fitness and baseball in assemblies with the students. He had the privilege to impact hundreds of young children and teens through his presentations.

Surviving are two sons: James P. Heverling and wife, Cheryl, of Palmyra, PA and Jeffery M. Heverling and wife, Karen, of Naples, FL; three grandchildren and their spouses: Amanda (Bradley) Moatz, Casey (Megan) Heverling and Matthew (Samantha) Sarver; and seven great grandchildren: William, Henry and Leah Moatz, Charlotte and Jacqueline Heverling, and Andi and Blaire Sarver.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Monday, November 27th from 6:00-8:00 PM and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Hershey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Phoenix Youth Center, Palmyra, PA. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.

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