Richard Sterling Gerald Schlichter

Richard Sterling Gerald Schlichter, born February 11, 1931, in Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 15, 2026, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Jacob Schlichter and Cora (Reese) Schlichter.

Richard married Virginia (Bechtel) Schlichter on November 30, 1957. Together they shared a life marked by devotion, service, and shared interests until Virginia’s passing on March 21, 2018.

Richard built a distinguished career in engineering. He served as a Senior Project Engineer with Reimer & Fischer Engineering in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he designed and oversaw the construction of the Alamo Cement Company in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to his employment with Reimer & Fischer Engineering, he worked as a Project Engineer at Alpha Portland Cement Company in Easton, PA.

A Life Member of Easton Lodge No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons, Richard demonstrated a long-standing commitment to fellowship, integrity, and service. He and his wife Virginia were deeply involved with the SPCA, now known as the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Their commitment to animal welfare included Richard’s contribution to designing one of the organization’s buildings, leaving a lasting and compassionate legacy.

Beyond his professional and community commitments, Richard had a lifelong love of tinkering with electronics and vehicles, a hands-on curiosity that reflected both his engineering mind and his enjoyment of understanding how things worked.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife. He shared a close family bond with his brother, Ernest Schlichter, who also preceded him in death.

Richard will be remembered with respect and fondness for his professional achievements, community service, inquisitive spirit, and the many ways he quietly made a difference.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Easton Cemetery, 401 N 7th St, Easton, PA.

Donations may be made, in Richard’s name, to the Center for Animal Health & Welfare, via healthyanimalcenter.org/donate.