Richard Reilly Bucher, 87

Richard Reilly Bucher, 87, formerly of 13 Fresh Meadow Dr., Lancaster, died Wednesday at the Essa Flory Hospice Center.

He was the husband of the late Lois M Guiney Bucher, who died in 1996. Born in Honeybrook, he was the son of the late Carmelita Reilly Bucher.

Richard had worked as the district manager for the McKesson Chemical Co., retiring in 1981 after 18 years of service. Prior to this he was a career officer serving in the United States Marine Corps, beginning his service in 1943 and retiring as a Major in 1963. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater in the campaigns of Bouganville, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. He was also the recipient of the Paratrooper Qualification Badge as a ParaMarine. Richard also served during the Korean Conflict and in Marine Intelligence during the Cuban Missle Crisis in 1962.

He was a member of St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church.

Richard enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, and trips to Alaska. He was a member of the Assn. of Survivors of World War II Parachute Units USMC, the VFW Post 7294 of Millersville, the Kiwanis Club, and was very involved with Crimestoppers locally.

He was a 1938 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD with a BS in Business Administration.

He is survived by 2 daughters: Patricia Jane  married to Roger Woodward of Portsmouth VA, Julia Ann Bucher, married to William Barlow of Lancaster; 3 sons: Richard T. married to Palma Bucher of Lawton OK, Arthur P. married to Audrey Bucher of State College, and Dennis J. married to Sonya Bucher of Ocean View NJ; and 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters, M. Bernice Bucher of Hudson FL and Carmel Hooper of Salisbury MD. Richard was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Henry P. and Wallace T. Bucher.

Friends will be received on Saturday from 9:30-10:30AM at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, with Mass to follow at 10:30AM. Interment in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to NAMI PA, 790 New Holland Pike   RM 149, Lancaster, PA 17602-2137, or the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603, including a note requesting that the donation go to the freshman year class of Lancaster Catholic High School for the Lancaster Relay For Life.