Richard A. Pape, 91, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away October 15, 2023. Born in Metuchen, he was a son of the late Ernest B. and Esther V. (Widerstrom) Pape. Richard grew up in Metuchen, and formerly lived in Edison, NJ, then Cranbury, NJ, before moving to Bethlehem.

Richard graduated from Metuchen High School in 1950. He attended Brown University and graduated from New York University with a degree in Accounting. Richard was drafted into the United States Navy in 1955 and was assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Fremont as a radioman in radar serving much of his time in the Mediterranean region. After an honorable discharge, he returned home and met his future wife Janet Hoops. They were married on September 20,1958.

A Certified Public Accountant, Richard worked for Seaman & Company, Perth Amboy, NJ, for many years. Through these years he took a keen interest in community affairs and volunteered his time generously. While attending Metuchen High School, Richard received All-State Orchestra honors playing the tuba, an instrument he continued to play later in life in the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury brass choir and on Cranbury Lions Club floats each Memorial Day. Richard is currently a member of Grace Church of Bethlehem. He was a lifetime fan of the Giants and Mets.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet of 65 years; daughters Susan Pape of Bedminster, NJ, Diane Pape Peters (John) of Bethlehem and Karen Pape Johnson (Robert) of Keene, NH; grandchildren John (Erin), Kyle, Katherine and Molly Peters and Ryan Johnson; and great-grandchildren Emily and Theodore. He was predeceased by a brother Ernest W. Pape.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 27, 2023, in Grace Church of Bethlehem, 4301 Hecktown Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Burial will be held in Cranbury, NJ, at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem.