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Richard J. Von Siegel Richard J. Von Siegel Memorial

Born: October 22, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: September 05, 2018 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA

Richard J. von Siegel 1941 - 2018

 Richard James von Siegel, loving husband, father, and uncle, passed away peacefully into God's loving grace in Doylestown, PA on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

Born October 22, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Richard Bernard and Mary Frances (nee McCaffrey).  He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, his children, Melissa, Mark, Matthew and Michael,  his nephew, Gary Smith (Susan), the son of his dear departed sister, Marilyn, and his cousin, Marie Schneck Davis (Arnie).

Rich, as he was known to his family and friends, was a devout Catholic throughout his entire life.  As a young college student at Villanova University, he initially pursued studies in the seminary.  While he discovered that ordained life was not his calling, he realized that a devoted religious life would always be first and foremost and the Lord remained close to his heart.

The primary focus of his professional career was in the security industry and after many years of hard work and perseverance, he was able to finally realize the dream of owning his own business.

Rich loved to dance and met his wife, Mary Anne, on the dance floor at a live music show in Northeast Philadelphia.  That first dance led to a happy marriage in the following year.

Over the years, Rich with his wife, Mary Anne, raised four children in the faith and schools of the Catholic Church.  Rich also spent much of his time in numerous activities for the Church, including regularly serving as an usher and Eucharistic Minister at Sunday Masses.  He was also active in the community with the Knights of Columbus, serving as Fourth Degree Knight and Grand Knight, and serving as President of the local chapter of Lions Club International.  A lifelong chess enthusiast, he successfully started a youth chess club for the Lansdowne Boys Club.

Also known to his family and friends was his generosity of spirit and kindness, not only to loved ones but also those he met that were in need.

His children warmly remember the many ways they were taught to care for others through his leading by example:  when he would offer to buy someone a meal who needed it; the numerous times he would often stop to help a stranded driver on the road whose car had broken down; when he extended help and assistance to a young woman pregnant with child who had been disowned by her family and had nowhere to go.  Often he went without, so that others could benefit.  He never minded because he simply wanted to be of service in whatever way he could.

Upon meeting Rich, one would be greeted with a strong handshake, a hearty laugh and there was always a quick pun or joke to follow.  Rich had an exuberance for life and enjoyed sharing a good laugh with everyone he encountered.  He left us too soon but his bright memory lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and loved ones.

A viewing and funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Church in Collingdale, PA ( 500 Woodlawn Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023). Viewing is at 10:00 a.m. with Mass immediately after at 11:00 a.m.

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MEMORIAL CREATED BY:
John P. Donohue Funeral Home on September 11, 2018