Obituaries
Richard L. Hibshman (Hibby)
November 10, 2024
On Sunday, November 10th 2024, Richard Lee Hibshman left this earth to join his savior, Jesus Christ and his Heavenly Father, Jehovah God in Heaven. Richard was born in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania and was the son of Clifford and Helen Hittle Hibshman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter, Karen Irene, and his older brother Rev. Robert Hibshman.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Flinchbaugh Hibshman and his son Mark and daughter-in-law Caroline. He is also survived by his younger brother John (wife Ann), niece Trish Weaver (husband Matt) and nephews Doug Hibshman (wife Kristina), Jeff Hibshman (wife Gina), Eli Lynch (wife Cappy) and many grand-nephews and nieces.
He is also survived by his best friend, college classmate, and fellow teacher, John Sullivan, who he exchanged insults with for over fifty years.
Richard was a 1958 graduate of Sharpsville High School. He then attended Millersville University (MU) and graduated in 1967, (along the way taking a five-year sabbatical in the Sharpsville Steel Mill to learn that it was not the way to spend the rest of his life), earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and then a Master’s Degree in Guidance in 1970. While attending MU, he earned six varsity letters; three in football, two in wrestling, and one in golf. He also coached football at the school from 1967 to 1970.
Mr. Hibshman taught driver’s education and social studies at Penn Manor High School for thirty years (1967-97), where he also coached wrestling for twenty-three seasons and golf for ten seasons. At Penn Manor, he was a lifetime member of PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association) and NEA (National Education Association), also serving as a President of PMEA (Penn Manor Education Association). After his retirement from teaching, he was elected to the Penn Manor school board and volunteered as a driver for Lancaster Meals on Wheels. He also spent as much time as possible playing golf.
He was a member of the Protestant faith, although his grandparents introduced him to the Jehovah’s Witnesses in his early teens. Richard was a man of strong faith and values, especially during the later years of his life.
Richard was certified by the Guiness Book of World Records to be the recordholder for continuous teaching of teenagers how to drive safely. He accomplished this by teaching for thirty years at Penn Manor and then with his own driving school for another twenty-five years. He decided to retire in 2021 when he realized he had taught three generations of driving students.
Although he spent three-quarters of his life in Lancaster County, he still considered himself a true “Western PA Rust-Belter” and authored his autobiography in 2020, titled “Rust Belt Refugee.” He also wrote a book called “Teaching Your Teenager to Drive Safely.” He was a life-long fan of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and the Cleveland Browns and was one of the original members of the “Dawg Pound” at Cleveland Browns stadium.
There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 2PM at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA with visitation from 1-2PM. The Rev. Dr. Melvin R. Baber will be the officiant. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in his name to the Penn Manor Education Foundation.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 04, 2024
I had Mr. Hibshman for driver education in school and he was my girls’ private instructor. He was particularly funny in the classroom and I still remember some of his humorous comments to which I reminded him of when he taught my girls. I also purchased Rust Belt Refugee when it was first published, grateful that he was able to share his stories before leaving us. Praying for the family and glad to know he is with his Savior.
Greg Pettis
November 20, 2024
My deepest sympathy, Mark, upon hearing of your dad’s passing. He was a wonderful educator and colleague. Our daughter Rachel told the funniest story about him when she was taking driver’s ed. at Penn Manor, which she has never forgotten and shared with us when I told her the sad news.
I wish you and your whole family peace and the comfort of good memories at this difficult time.
November 19, 2024
Memories of years past. My love and condolences to John and familily.
November 19, 2024
Condolences for your loss and passing of Richard.
Jim Hazlett
November 18, 2024
We were so sorry to hear about your loss, Joyce. We hope that your long, close relationship and all of your good memories will help you and your family at this difficult time.
Carol
November 17, 2024
I remember Mr Hibshman very fondly.
He was the wrestling coach when I was a cheerleader and we adored him. Such a kind man.
November 16, 2024
I met Hibby at a MU Football Golf Outing yrs ago. He was one of the older MSC players who played under Katchmer who were all still trying to stay involved in the Program, and offered in any way possible to help. Through the numerous HC changes, he and his buddies continued to stay close to the Team. I was lucky enough to play in a foursome once with him in a MU event….I true good person, educator, and Marauder!
RIP, Hibby.
November 16, 2024
My memories of Richard are limited to the time we spent at Millersville. As a member of the wrestling team, I got to spend time with him Time that I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 15, 2024
Coach Hib my memories of you have lasted a lifetime. I met you when I was the 8,th grade wrestling manager and on the ride to an away match you taught me how to keep score. I did so well you told me it was my job till I graduate. For 5 years I worked as you manager and scorekeeper. You were such a positive influence on all of us. I also appreciate that when school couldn’t fit me into a spot for drivers ed behind the wheel, and you knew my dad wouldn’t let me get my license without it, you found time for me. Whenever someone was late or sick you made sure to find me a put me in the driver’s seat. Thank you, your patients and understanding and passion for education must have rubbed off along the way since I am now a college professor.
November 15, 2024
Such a great teacher and man. Honored to say I was one of the student drivers that helped to get him in the Guinness book of world records. His legacy was most definitely being a patient person in the passenger seat… Godspeed Hibby
November 14, 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss. Like many, he was my driver’s ed teacher. I was also a wrestling manager. We recently became FB friends too. Prayers for comfort for the family. Good guy.❤️
Pamela Matt Cramer
November 14, 2024
Mark and family, I’m sorry for your loss he seems like a wonderful person. God Bless to you and your family.
November 14, 2024
Mark,
Please know my family is praying for comfort for your family during this time of loss. – Misty
- Visitation
- Thursday, November 21, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 441 North George Street
- Millersville, PA 17551
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, November 21, 2024
- 2:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 441 North George Street
- Millersville, PA 17551
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
