Obituary for Richard R. "Peppy" Brendel
Richard R. Brendel, "Peppy", 79, of Leesport, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 in Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg.
Born on May 10, 1941 in Community General Hospital, Reading, he was the son of the late Irvin and Pearl (Rick) Brendel. He was a 1959 graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School. Richard retired from Pepsi where he worked as a delivery driver for over 42 years. At the age of 14, he started working for Kauffman's BBQ where he worked for over 55 years. On a Wednesday, he could always be found at the Leesport Farmers Market where he also worked. Richard was a member of Behler-Hein Post 637 American Legion, Hamburg; and a founding member of the Leesport Jaycees. He was drafted by the United States Army and retired from active reserve service in July 1994. Richard was a Sergeant First Class. He was on the Leesport Borough Council for more than 35 years and served on the roads and water committee. Richard often plowed the streets back in the 1970's and 1980's and donated a backhoe to thborough. He always worked tirelessly to do things for the town. Richard was a lifetime member of the Union Fire Company #1 of Leesport and was a former Vice-President and Trustee. For over 37 years, he ran or was involved in Bingo, and played a major role in the annual Super Bowl Chicken BBQ, dressing up as the chicken along Rt. 61. Richard was a member of the consistory of Salem (Belleman's) Church, and participated in the annual Memorial Day service at Belleman's.
Richard is survived by his sister: Ruth M. (Brendel) Kohler, Muhlenberg Twp. He is also survived by niece: Shirley A. Adams, wife of Michael Adams, Germansville; nephew: David W. Brendel, Frenchville; niece: Jean E. (Brendel) Davis, Fleetwood; nephew: Gary L. Brendel, husband of Jenifer, Leesport; step-nephew: Lloyd Long, husband of Marilu, Blandon; step-niece: Marcie (Long), wife of Tim Johnson, Los Alamos, New Mexico; nephew: Ronald R. Kohler, husband of Petra, Leesport; and nephew: Scott A. Kohler, Douglassville. Richard was predeceased by siblings: Norman Brendel, Warren Brendel and Ethel (Brendel) Mengel.
A graveside service will be on Thursday at 2:30 pm in Bern Cemetery, 3196 Bernville Road, Leesport. A private family viewing will be held at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc, 223 Peach Street, Leesport. The procession to the cemetery will depart the funeral home Thursday at 2:00 pm. A celebration of Richard's life will be held in late summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. If able, include the general online donation form with your contribution. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolence, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
Born on May 10, 1941 in Community General Hospital, Reading, he was the son of the late Irvin and Pearl (Rick) Brendel. He was a 1959 graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School. Richard retired from Pepsi where he worked as a delivery driver for over 42 years. At the age of 14, he started working for Kauffman's BBQ where he worked for over 55 years. On a Wednesday, he could always be found at the Leesport Farmers Market where he also worked. Richard was a member of Behler-Hein Post 637 American Legion, Hamburg; and a founding member of the Leesport Jaycees. He was drafted by the United States Army and retired from active reserve service in July 1994. Richard was a Sergeant First Class. He was on the Leesport Borough Council for more than 35 years and served on the roads and water committee. Richard often plowed the streets back in the 1970's and 1980's and donated a backhoe to thborough. He always worked tirelessly to do things for the town. Richard was a lifetime member of the Union Fire Company #1 of Leesport and was a former Vice-President and Trustee. For over 37 years, he ran or was involved in Bingo, and played a major role in the annual Super Bowl Chicken BBQ, dressing up as the chicken along Rt. 61. Richard was a member of the consistory of Salem (Belleman's) Church, and participated in the annual Memorial Day service at Belleman's.
Richard is survived by his sister: Ruth M. (Brendel) Kohler, Muhlenberg Twp. He is also survived by niece: Shirley A. Adams, wife of Michael Adams, Germansville; nephew: David W. Brendel, Frenchville; niece: Jean E. (Brendel) Davis, Fleetwood; nephew: Gary L. Brendel, husband of Jenifer, Leesport; step-nephew: Lloyd Long, husband of Marilu, Blandon; step-niece: Marcie (Long), wife of Tim Johnson, Los Alamos, New Mexico; nephew: Ronald R. Kohler, husband of Petra, Leesport; and nephew: Scott A. Kohler, Douglassville. Richard was predeceased by siblings: Norman Brendel, Warren Brendel and Ethel (Brendel) Mengel.
A graveside service will be on Thursday at 2:30 pm in Bern Cemetery, 3196 Bernville Road, Leesport. A private family viewing will be held at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc, 223 Peach Street, Leesport. The procession to the cemetery will depart the funeral home Thursday at 2:00 pm. A celebration of Richard's life will be held in late summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. If able, include the general online donation form with your contribution. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolence, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.