Richard Repko

Richard A. Repko, 89, of Pottstown, PA, husband of Patricia M. (Sarisky) Repko passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2019. Son of the late Michael and Margaret (Sheeler) Repko, Richard was born in Phoenixville, and lived virtually all of his life in Pottstown, PA. He graduated from Pottstown Senior High School in 1949, where he was in the band and the choir, continuing what would become a lifelong love of music, begun in the choir at St. Aloysius. Over the years, he was a trumpeter in many bands and a vocalist, singing tenor for Coventry Singers, in the choirs at St. Aloysius, St. Columbkill in Boyertown, and First Presbyterian Church in Pottstown, and performing as a soloist at weddings. Until his later years, he regularly played Taps at the funerals of area veterans. He himself served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1949-1951 and in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1952-1954, after attending the U. S. Army Signal School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Following his military service, Richard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in German and social studies from LaSalle University in 1958 and a Master of Education degree from West Chester State University in 1966. He began his teaching career at Pottstown Junior High School, where he taught social studies and mathematics from 1958-1964. He then spent the rest of his career as a teacher of German at Spring-Ford Senior High School from 1965-1987. During his tenure, he taught German at all levels and was head of the foreign language department for six years. After his retirement from Spring-Ford, he was the moderator of liturgical music at St. Pius X High School for 10 years. Throughout his life he was also a gunsmith, learning the trade at the former Van Buskirk's Hardware Store on High Street in Pottstown, where he began as a stock boy at the age of twelve. Richard met Patricia, the love of his life, in 1956 and they were married in 1958. He is survived by their six children and their families, including Chris and Ellen (Repko) Lis of Downingtown, PA; David and Daria (Repko) Kaas of Frederick, MD; Sue Repko and her partner Parker Blaney of Maine; Karl Repko and Barbara Magrath of Charlotte, NC; Steve and Michele (Repko) Dunleavy of West Chester, PA; and Megan and Joseph Repko of Oley, PA; Ken Berger of Princeton, NJ; and Piper Repko of Charlotte, NC; sixteen grandchildren, including Judee Lis, Bonnie Kaas and Bryce McKinney, Casimir Sarisky, Daniel Kaas, Alexander and Jeffrey Berger, Noah, Paul and Sarah Repko, Steve Dunleavy, Jr., Patrick and Andrew Dunleavy, and Michael, Nicholas, Samuel and Aaron Repko; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews in an extended Repko clan. He is survived by his beloved sister, Mary Ann (Steffanci) Doerk of Pottstown, PA, with whom he shared many a laugh. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by brothers Raymond "Barney" Repko and David Repko. He is also survived by his former students, fellow parishioners and singers, gun customers, and friends and acquaintances from all areas of his life. He liked to read and was himself a storyteller who enjoyed a good conversation. He was a confidante to many, and known to pull out his wallet and give an unexpected gift to someone in need. A viewing will be held at Warker Troutman Funeral Home, 726 E. High St., Pottstown, PA on Thursday, August 22, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. Another viewing will take place in the Gathering Center at St. Aloysius Church, 223 Beech St., Pottstown, PA on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 9-10:15 A.M., prior to a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 A.M. Interment will follow at St. Aloysius cemetery on Buchert Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Aloysius Church. To view a full obituary or to send condolences, go to www.warkertroutmanfuneralhome.com.

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