Richard L. Stiles, Sr.

Richard L. Stiles, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and member of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2025 at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his loving family, having fulfilled his final wish to remain in the comfort of his home until the end.

Born in Bethlehem, PA on May 28, 1927, to Charles E. Stiles and Florence (Lehman) Stiles of Bethlehem, PA, Dick was the youngest of seven children. He attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA, (class of 1945) and was a proud graduate of Lehigh University, where he completed his engineering degree. He went on to live an extraordinary life as a WWII Army Air Force veteran. Throughout his entire life, he maintained a love for aviation. Additionally, Dick was an accomplished rocket scientist and dedicated care giver.

Dick served in Europe during World War II. His military service continued a family legacy of patriotism, with his father serving in the Civil War and his grandfather in the Revolutionary War. After returning home, Dick began a distinguished career that included groundbreaking work for GE and contributions to the U.S. space program. He helped design technology for rocket launches and conducted classified NASA experiments.

In 1952, Dick married the love of his life, June Pfeifle, with whom he shared 58 years of devotion and faith. Together they raised five children and built a warm and loving home. Dick converted to Catholicism, sharing a deep faith with June, and attended daily Mass for the rest of his life. He became a quiet example of Christian service, eventually dedicating over a decade to caring for June during her long illness, with unwavering love and humility. Dick is remembered for his extraordinary intelligence, sharp wit, and quiet dedication to his family.

Dick is survived by his five children: Linda (Peter) Korpel, Mary (Mark) Gleason, Richard L. (Nancy) Stiles, Jr., Kathryn McCaney, and Jane (Mark) Lobeck; as well as twenty grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, each of whom he made feel uniquely loved. He was preceded in death by his wife, June, his parents, and all his siblings. Remember Dick: a true gentleman, a brilliant mind, a humble servant, and a dearly loved soul who now rests with God alongside his beloved June.

The viewing for Richard will take place at The Bacchi Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 805 Dekalb Street, Bridgeport, PA on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Relatives and friends are invited to Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00am. Prior to the Mass, from 9:00 to 9:45 am., those who wish can pay their respects, with a Eulogy being given before Mass. Interment will follow at Nisky Hill Cemetery in Bethlehem, PA at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to Mother of Divine Providence Church, King of Prussia, PA