Richard G. (Dick) Held, 90, of State College, died peacefully at Juniper Village at Brookline, State College, on April 26, 2025. Born September 27, 1934, in Allentown, Pa., he was the son of the late Christine Delong Held and Henry Held. He married Elizabeth K. Held, who predeceased him, at Valley Forge on May 10, 1962. Richard and Elizabeth raised two children who survive, Raymond G. Held (Julia) of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Thomas W. Held (Jane) of Pasadena, Calif. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Evan, Laura, Heather, Andrew, and Brooke.
Dick was raised in Allentown and graduated from Allentown High School. He earned two degrees at Lehigh University, a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration, and was delighted when his sons and several grandchildren followed in his footsteps, becoming Lehigh graduates themselves. After completing his education, Dick accepted a job at Chemcut in State College, where for 20 years he held a variety of leadership positions including treasurer and vice president of marketing. Ever the entrepreneur, upon retiring from Chemcut, Dick surprised nearly no one when he announced his second act, opening a State College firm specializing in business sales and business valuation that he operated for 20 years. Dick was a cherished member of the community, holding board positions with both the State College YMCA and the State College Downtown Rotary, membership in Central PA Torch clubs; delivering meals to homebound neighbors for Meals on Wheels; and attending St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
A devoted runner, Dick took every opportunity to get outside and over the course of his lifetime completed several local 10k races. This indomitable spirit meant that even as the years wore on and his pace slowed to a walk, Dick could regularly be spotted doing a six- (or more!) mile trek through Park Forest Village, the leash of his trusty companion Jake in hand. He was also a lively storyteller and an avid poker and bridge player, who during his time at Juniper Village seldom let a day elapse without gathering for a round of cards with fellow residents who had become friends. Dick was an avid traveler for both business and pleasure including taking trips to Japan, France, South Africa and the Philadelphia Eagles Superbowl win with his grandchildren.
An exceptional father, grandfather, and friend to the end, Dick will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 24 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 208 W. Foster Avenue, State College, with Reverend Jeffrey A. Packard officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the State College YMCA at https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org
Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
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