Mr. Richard D. “Dick” Rinehart, Sr., 90, of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away at his home on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Born on August 30, 1935, in Leitersburg, MD, Richard was the beloved son of the late Harlan and Grace (Morningstar) Rinehart.
A proud patriot, Mr. Rinehart dedicated 20 years of honorable and faithful service to the United States Air Force. Throughout his distinguished military career, he was the recipient of numerous commendations for valor, personal merit, and campaign service, including the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Though highly decorated, Richard remained deeply humble about his time in uniform, always placing duty and country before personal recognition.
On June 30, 1957, he married the love of his life, Bernice (Neikirk) Rinehart, in Leitersburg, MD. Together they shared more than 70 years of unwavering devotion and partnership, a testament to love, commitment, and enduring companionship.
Richard was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church in Leitersburg, MD, where his quiet faith and steady presence were a source of strength and encouragement to those around him. He was also a proud member of the Waynesboro Country Club and the American Legion Post 0042 in Hagerstown.
An avid golfer, Richard could often be found on the fairways, even into his 90th year, demonstrating not just a love for the game, but a zest for life that never waned.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Richard D. Rinehart, Jr., and his companion Sandy, of Gettysburg, PA, Debra Johnson, and her husband Jay, of Jacksonville, FL; his grandchildren: Tracy, Nick, James, and Jenna; 7 great grandchildren; and his sister, Linda Spunich.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Rice.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the Waynesboro Country Club, 11000 Country Club Road, Waynesboro, PA.
Arrangements are by Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro.
