Richard E. Maurer Obituary

Richard E. Maurer, 87, of Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pa., died peacefully Monday, June 1, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.  Richard, who went by the nickname Dick, was the beloved husband of Georgene C. (Wignovich) Maurer with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage on August 5, 2025.                                                                           

Born at home in Easton, he was the son of the late Frank L. and Anna (Collura) Maurer.  His younger years were spent on Easton’s South Side, where he lived on Milton Street with his parents, brother Frank J. and grandfather Frank J. Sr., with whom he shared a great bond.  There, Dick and his buddies built a neighborhood clubhouse and created memories that would stay with him for a lifetime.  Dick also continued to be a handy craftsman, learning from his father and building a clubhouse with his daughters generations later.

In his teenage years, Dick’s natural athleticism propelled him to success in track and field at Easton High School, where he held the pole vault record for decades.  After graduating from Easton High School in 1956, Dick served in the Army Reserves. He attended Keystone Junior College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Moravian College in 1961.  He spent the first decade of his career in the finance department at Ingersoll Rand before dedicating more than three decades to Bethlehem Steel.  Following the Steel's closure, he continued his work as a consultant, retiring as the last man standing at Martin Tower.

He met Georgene in the spring of 1966.  When he asked for her number she told him to look it up in the phone book. He did and they were married a year later.  Dick always told her she was the last girl in his "little black book".  In their honeymoon years, they enjoyed renting a cabin in the Poconos with friends and skiing.  A member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, they built their first home in Bethlehem Township and dedicated themselves to raising their daughters, Pamela and Jill, and giving them a happy home.  Dick cherished family dinners, loved Georgene’s homemade meals and often craved family recipes that had become treasured traditions.

Dick was passionate about cheering on his girls in all they sought to achieve, beginning with their years in competitive swimming and later with their life aspirations.  He brought that same dedication to his granddaughters, whether he was encouraging Anna in javelin, listening proudly as Scarlett played the piano or delighting in the silly antics of little Davina.

Known for his striking good looks and charisma, Dick embarked on an unexpected modeling career in retirement after appearing on a billboard alongside his granddaughter, Anna.  He got a real kick out of the experience and embraced every moment of his second career in the spotlight.

Dick was a gifted storyteller and showman whose humor and positive outlook brought joy to family and friends.  He delighted in entertaining his daughters with tales of his childhood adventures, often featuring his cousin Joe Cline.

He was generous with his time and wisdom.  Family and friends often relied on him for practical advice and a helping hand.  Whether assisting with paperwork, a home project or life’s decisions, his steady presence and trustworthiness influenced the lives of many.

Dick was especially close to his late brother Frank, and in the 1960s, was the “cool uncle” to Frank’s children Kathy, Greg, Kristine and Gary, always making life fun.  In later years, the brothers regularly played golf at Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course and hosted “the brothers’ dinner” every Wednesday.

Dick was a lover of nature, sports and music.  When he wasn't rooting for the Eagles or Phillies, he could be found sitting outside with his dog, appreciating a beautiful day.

Music was woven throughout Dick's life.  As a boy, he played the piano, loved to sing and even recorded shellac records at home with his parents.  He carried his love of music into adulthood, serenading his daughters, granddaughters and wife with classics such as “The Darktown Strutters' Ball.”  His voice became the soundtrack of his family's life.  He was inspired by the timeless sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, whose melodies brought him comfort and peace during his final days.

Dick will be remembered for his resilience, strength, integrity and unwavering devotion to family.  He faced life with courage and humor, and his legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he shaped and the family he loved so deeply.

Survivors: Wife; daughters, Pamela A. Riddell and her husband Gary of Lower Nazareth Township, Jill A. Falk and her husband Evan of Ridgewood, NJ; granddaughters, Anna, Scarlett, Davina; nieces Kristine Maurer; Katherine Reinhard and her husband Rick, nephews Gregory Maurer and his wife Gina, Gary Maurer and his wife Annette; many great- and great-great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank J. Maurer and his beloved dogs, Petey and Nena.

Service: A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem, Pa. A calling hour will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at the funeral home. Interment to follow the service at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Please record a memory atwww.cantelmifuneralhome.com.Contributions: Memorials may be made in Richard’s memory to the Davis Phinney Foundation, PO Box 270948, Louisville, CO 80027, https://www.DPF.org to assist with the everyday struggles of Parkinson’s Disease or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, https://give.michaeljfox.org.