Richard Lee “Rich” Willits, 66, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Geisinger of Danville, after a recent cancer diagnosis that he fought bravely to the end.
Born on February 12, 1959, in Jersey Shore, he was a son of the late William Willits, Jr. and Martha (Jeralds) Willits. With a work ethic that was unparalleled, he served the Williamsport Area School District as a Custodian from the age of 18 until his well-deserved retirement in 2015. Rich was a man of many interests. He was an avid bowler, winning a couple of perfect 300 games at ABC and Harvest Moon Bowling Lanes, and he enjoyed many games of pool at local bar establishments. His love for the outdoors was evident in over two decades of camping and fishing at his beloved river lot with his family. A sports enthusiast, Rich never missed a chance to cheer on his favorite football team, the Rams, and he was a dedicated NASCAR fan. Rich’s mornings were incomplete without a steaming cup of coffee, and he was known for his sociable nature. He enjoyed making people smile with his jokes and would strike up conversations with anyone and everyone. He also enjoyed doing all of the hard work for his wife’s yard sales, always commenting after each one, it would be his last. Above all interest and hobbies, being with family brought Rich the most joy. He loved spending time and supporting them in every way he could.
For 46 years, Rich lovingly devoted himself to Nell D. (Krueger) Willits. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including daughters Debra “Debbie” Costill (Jason), Eugenia Hendrickson (Scott), and Christina Woodring (Mark). Rich’s legacy continued to grow with his grandchildren, with whom affectionately called him Pop Pop, Stevenlee Sylvanio, Felicia DiBernardo (Dominic), Xavier Winter, and Evan Costill, and he was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather to Dexter Deem. He shared a special bond with his siblings Jim and Lloyd Willits, Lois Bilby, and his brother-in-law Kenny Bauerlien, as well as his close extended family, Donald, Frances, Mary and Douglas Woodring.
Along with his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his brothers Daniel and Glen Willits, and his sister Emily Bauerlien, but the memories they shared will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them.
The void left by Rich’s passing is immense, but his warmth, humor, and the countless memories he created will continue to provide comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rich’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and the enduring strength of family ties. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a man who made the world a brighter place simply by being in it.
Services to honor Rich will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be expressed on Rich’s memorial page at http://www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com
