Beloved Reading Native and Basketball Legend Richard Stitzel Passes Away
Richard Stitzel, 81, of Jupiter, FL, passed away on August 22, 2025. Services on August 30th; contributions to his memorial welcomed.
Beloved Reading Native and Basketball Legend Richard Stitzel Passes Away
Richard A. Stitzel, aged 81, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida. A long-time resident of Jupiter, he was cherished not only for his contributions to the community but also for his loving family. Stitzel is survived by his wife, Eileen L. Stitzel (Muschko), and his three children, Amy L. Miller, Matthew J. Stitzel, and Meg B. Rosenberg, along with twelve grandchildren. He was predeceased by his former wife Mary Anne (Kuhn) and a daughter, Beth A. Donghia. His brother, William G. Stitzel, of Windsor Township, also mourns this significant loss.
Richard Stitzel was born on October 1, 1943, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to William J. and Beulah A. (Naftzinger) Stitzel. With a zest for learning, he graduated from Hamburg High School in 1961 and later earned a Bachelor of Science from East Stroudsburg State College followed by a master’s degree in education from Kutztown State College. His keen intellect and dedication saw him excel in both academics and sports, where he garnered county tennis doubles championships in 1960 and 1961.
A Lifelong Educator and Coach
Stitzel spent twelve years as a secondary Social Studies teacher, leaving an indelible mark on both his students and the local sports scene. His coaching career was notable as he led the Twin Valley School District Boys Varsity Basketball team to its first county championship in 1977, earning accolades including Coach of the Year from the Reading Eagle AA-A and the Berks Coaches Round Table.
In 1979, he made a significant transition to the funeral services industry by joining the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. His dedication and expertise quickly propelled him to the position of Secretary/Treasurer, a role he held until 2000, after which he was Vice President until his retirement in 2005. His leadership extended to professional organizations, highlighting his commitment to the field as he served as President of the Berks County Funeral Directors Association in 1985 and District Governor of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association from 1995 until 1999. In 2015, he became the President of Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc.
A Man of Many Interests
Beyond his professional life, Richard was an avid sports enthusiast and member of the Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club. He broadcasted basketball games as a color analyst for WEEU Radio from 1984 to 1994 and had a lasting impact on local sports culture, even earning induction into the Berks Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for Basketball.
Aman of diverse interests, Richard also enjoyed hunting, tennis, golf, and needlepoint. His social contributions included being co-chairman of the Holy Name Extravaganza fundraiser in 1986 and being a life member of the Berks County Basketball Old Timers. He attended the Jupiter 1st Church in Florida and was a former member of Atonement Lutheran Church and the Berkshire Country Club.
Final Services and Community Contributions
His final services are set for August 30, 2025, at the Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, following viewings on August 29 and 30. He will be laid to rest in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Berks County Community Foundation for a college scholarship in Richard Stitzel’s name.
As we reflect on Richard Stitzel’s life, many are reminded of the importance of community and the need for education around funeral practices. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) recently emphasized these needs in their global study, „Across Borders, Across Traditions,“ which explores consumer attitudes towards funerals. They found that many people see funerals as healing experiences, with nearly 96% of respondents viewing them positively, emphasizing the role of education in this area (NFDA reports).
Richard’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through those he taught, coached, and cared for as he navigated career paths with passion and dedication. As he rests in peace, we celebrate a life well-lived, embracing the essence of community and shared memories that make us all richer.