A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 13th, at 10:30 am at First Presbyterian Church for Richard J. Foltz of Sharon, PA, who died Thursday morning (4-8-10) in his home following an extended illness. He was 78.

Richard was born September 16, 1931, in Sharon to Jacob H. and Thelma M. Foltz. Richard graduated from Sharon High School, Class of 1950. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard Battery C 229th and was called to active duty with the US Army in 1950. He served in Germany during the Korean conflict, achieving status of Sergeant Major.

Richard was an entrepreneur and contractor. He was also an avid golfer claiming the fame of "beating Arnold Palmer" in a high school golf competition. In 1959 he held the Sharon Country Club Course Record of 65 and, in 1960, Club Champ. During his later years, he spent many long enjoyable hours roaming the hills of Bush Hill Farm in Smethport, PA, with his dog Bo. Throughout his life, Richard always provided for his family and helped others in need. He attended First Presbyterian Church and believed in Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Swogger Foltz; his son Richard Jeffrey Foltz and his wife Marcee D. Foltz and their two children, Lauren A. Foltz and Katherine M. Foltz; his daughter Cynthia L. Foltz Manion and her husband John E. Manion; his siblings, Charles W. Foltz (Esther), Theodore I. Foltz (Ethel), and Mrs. Gerald (Joan) Gaus; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Wm. (Shirley A.) Sankey and brother-in-law, Evan G. Swogger (Carole); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and, in June 2008, by his younger brother Jay H. Foltz

Calling hours will be at McGonigle Funeral Home on Monday, April 12th, from 5pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Mercer County or to a charity of your choice.