Richard L. Harnish

Richard L. Harnish, 74, of Conestoga, entered his Heavenly Home unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Born in New Danville, he was the son of the late I. Paul and Anna Mae Martin Harnish. He was the loving husband of Cynthia K. Ulmer Harnish and they celebrated 38 years of marriage on November 16, 2023.

 After graduating from Penn Manor High School, class of 1967, he served in 1-W Service in Winchester, VA where he began his Respiratory career.  He furthered his Respiratory education at Shenandoah University, VA. Upon returning to Lancaster, he became Director of Respiratory Therapy at Lancaster Osteopathic Hospital/Community Hospital of Lancaster until 1986. Dick became the owner of Lehigh Valley Respiratory Care and added Pediatric and Adult Health Services, York Respiratory Care and Richmond Respiratory. It was of the utmost importance to him to provide quality, caring service to their patients. He officially retired in 2016.

 Having been raised on a farm, agriculture was “always in his blood.” He purchased and restored multiple farms and worked hard to always be a good steward of the land. In retirement, and before, he loved helping his sons, Bryan and Christopher with farming and was always willing to lend a hand.

 He enjoyed traveling to Switzerland, Alaska, and the National State Parks, but the highlight of his trips was to the Holy Land.

 Family was very important to him and he dearly loved his children and precious grandchildren. He loved the annual family trip to Ocean City, NJ where he spent many hours jumping waves with the grandchildren. Any activities with the grandchildren were cherished whether it was attending sporting events, giving tractor rides, playing kickball, or sharing ice cream treats.

 His Christian faith and living his life based on biblical values was of utmost importance to him. He attended Grace Community Church of Willow Street. 

 Surviving in addition to his wife, Cynthia, are three sons: Matthew husband of Angelie Harnish, Carlsbad, CA, Bryan husband of Julene Harnish, Pequea, Christopher husband of Bethany Harnish, Conestoga, a daughter, Emily Harnish, Harrisburg, and nine grandchildren: Ethan and Connor Harnish; Chase, Aubrey, Laiken, and Kellen Harnish; Joel, Elliott, and Willow Harnish. He is also survived by a brother, Robert husband of Carol Harnish, of Conestoga, two sisters: Paula wife of Larry Harnish, of Washington Boro, and Julia wife of Dale Murray of Mount Joy. 

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Richard’s Life Celebration Service, at Grace Community Church, 212 Peach Bottom Road, Willow Street, on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Friends may visit with the family and stay for a light luncheon immediately following the service at the church. Private interment will be in the New Danville Mennonite Cemetery.