Richard L. Steely

Richard L. Steely, 75, formerly of Laureldale, late of Scottsdale Arizona, died June 23, 2017.

Born in Reading, PA he was the son of the late Leroy W. and Dorothy K. (Ermold) Steely.

Richard was a 1959 graduate of Muhlenberg High School.

He attended Albright College, Reading and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute, Miami, Florida.

He was a Navy Veteran who was also a flight instructor for the Navy. He also served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he flew the C130 transport aircraft.

Richard was employed as a commercial pilot with Reading Aviation Service, Western Airlines and lastly with Delta Airlines before retiring in 2002.

Richard fully restored a “Waco” biplane that was delivered to him in the back of a pick-up truck. It can still be seen flying in airshows today.

He is survived by his sister, Diann, originally of Laureldale, PA. who is the wife of Joseph Read, of Georgia.

Services will be held Saturday, July 8th at 10:00 am in Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.  Viewings will be held Friday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am – 10:00 am in the funeral home followed by burial with full Military Honors at Laureldale Cemetery.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com