Richard E. "Dick" Skiles

SKILES---Richard E., 99, Richland, passed away on October 16, 2022, at Windber Woods. Born on March 27, 1923, in Johnstown, son of Harry E. and Sarah E. (Calleo) Skiles. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Betty Marie (Crislip) Skiles to whom he was married for 41 years; son, Richard E. Skiles Jr.; granddaughter, Stephanie Marie Skiles; brothers and sisters, Raymond Skiles and wife, Mary; Harry Skiles and wife, Lois; Jack Skiles and wife, Rose; Evelyn Skiles and nephew, Glen Byroade and wife, Louise; Sarah Getty and husband, Ben; Betz Zimmerman and husband, Fred; Margaret Benson and husband, Jerome; and Ruth Campagna and husband, Tony. Survived by companion of 32 years, Margaret Strachan and her children, Jackie Mitchell and Debbie Houser and their spouses, and also Margaret’s grandchildren; Dick is survived by he and Betty’s children, Sandra J. Schenck and husband, Frank, Richland; Richard W. Skiles and wife, Deborah (Grove), Richland; James Skiles and wife, Pamala (Prince), Richland; grandchildren, Mark Rish and wife, Angie, Clearfield; Lewis Skiles, Richland; Sarah Piscatello and husband, Brett, Windber; Kathryn Stiles and husband, Joseph, Ferndale; great-grandchildren, Paige Rish, Payton Rish, Samuel Rish, Ava Stiles, Kynleigh Skiles, Tobin Piscatello, Westin Piscatello and Kiya Skiles. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Teresa Crislip. Dick was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He went to Johnstown High School and then served in the US Army during WWII in Europe as a medic. Dick worked for 37 years for Bethlehem Steel Corp. in the Bar, Rod & Wire Division, where he was an award winning first aid leader. He attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran in Johnstown. Dick’s life revolved around a great deal of different sports during his lifetime including: baseball, softball, shooting marbles, pole vaulting, diving, horseshoes and ax throwing. Dick was one of Johnstown’s outstanding softball players of the 1950’s. An avid bowler and hunter, he was a lifelong Pirates fan and a member of the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame. He coached Wheeler Cadillac’s team to Johnstown titles in 1979 and1980. His 1983 team represented Johnstown in the AABA tournament. He loved flowers and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with Rev. Toby Holland officiating. Private committal, Richland Cemetery. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Dick’s family would like thank to CSS Windber Medical Center and Windber Woods for the excellent care they gave him.