Richard B. "Dick" Orwig

The family of Richard Bruce "Dick" Orwig, 87, of Red Lion, PA is saddened to announce his passing on June 19, 2026. Born January 5, 1939, to Clyde and Betty Orwig, he was the oldest of three boys. Dick graduated from Red Lion High School in 1956, playing football, baseball, basketball, and track; earning 8 varsity letters and during his senior year was captain for football, baseball, and basketball. He attended college at West Chester University where he played football and finished his collegiate studies at Millersville University, where he received his BS in education (1960), and earned his M. ED. from Temple University (1964).

Dick was a long-time teacher and coach, beginning his career as a High School Social Studies teacher at Dallastown High School, where he was their head football coach. He continued his teaching career, returning to his alma mater, Red Lion High School, where he was an assistant varsity football coach and head baseball coach for many years. For many summers he could be found on the baseball diamond coaching Baseball for Boys. During his 35 years of teaching, he shared his love of history, especially the Civil War, and the world while encouraging the best from his students and players.

Dick and his family were long time members of St. John's UCC in Red Lion where he taught Sunday School, served 15 years on Consistory, and several committees. For most of his life he was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, San Francisco Giants fan, and most of all he was a loyal Penn State fan. In his free time, he could be found in all types of weather on Hickory Heights Golf Course, where he proudly stated he was one of the first members.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 65 years, Janet Sprenkle Orwig, stating daily how much he missed his girl. He is survived by his son, Robert Orwig (Pat) of Lititz, and daughters Stacy Shaull (Lee) of Brogue, and Sarah Warner (Greg) of Fairfield. He was the proud grandpa of Scott, Kristin, Emily, Andrew, Daniel, and Luke and great grandpa to Jaxon, Roran, William, Mina, and Sebastian. He is also survived by his two brothers, Larry Orwig (Vivian) of Maryland and Steve Orwig of Texas.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his in-home caregiver Sarah Carletti of Senior Helpers, for her care and friendship this last year.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc. 35 Gotham Pl., Red Lion with Pastor Equilla Curry officiating. A visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. A private service for burial will be at the convenience of the family. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of food and fellowship in the St. John's UCC Social Hall, located very near the funeral home. The service will be live-streamed at HeffnerCare.com around 11 a.m. on Dick’s obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. John’s United Church of Christ, attn: Instrument Fund, 161 North Main Street, Red Lion, PA 17356. Dick's Aunt Dorothy was the longtime organist and Uncle Fred Furst was the builder of the church's Furst Pipe Organ. In recent years, his son-in-law Lee, is the organist and Dick loved hearing and singing to the organ.

Thanks be to God for a life well lived and filled with love.