Jan 25, 2021

Richard M. Birch Sr., of Zollarsville, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

He was born in Lorain, Ohio, a son of the late Nicholas and Mary Whitechek Birch.

Mr. Birch was a graduate of East Bethlehem High School, California University and Pennsylvania State University.

Richard was a teacher in the Mechanicsburg and Cumberland Valley public schools. He taught at West Virginia University and California University where he also was a Dean in the School of Graduate Studies. He retired as a Professor Emeritus from California. After retiring, he served as an administrator in the Calvary Chapel Christian School in Brownsville for several years and retired again. His spiritual home was at Calvary Chapel of Brownsville, a Christ Centered Church, where he served as a member of the Church Council.

He was active in the accreditation of colleges and universities as an accreditation team member and also served nationally on the NCATE Council.

Richard was noted nationally as the Father of the CO Racer in education.

In 1951, he married the lovely Mary Lou Welling Birch, who predeceased him in May of 2020.

Surviving are three sons, Dr. Richard Birch (Pamela) of South Carolina, William Birch (Naomi) of New York and Dr. David Birch (Melanie) of Delaware; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are private and under the direction of the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, Ltd., Beallsville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Calvary Chapel, 112 Thornton Road, Brownsville, PA 15417. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.