Richard V. Hawk

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard V. Hawk, born on January 4, 1924 in Reading, PA has passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021 at the age of 97 at the Cripple Creek Care Center in Colorado.  As a lifelong resident of Mechanicsburg, PA Dick relocated in the winter of 2017 to be closer to his three daughters, Cindy Connors (Colorado), Susan Knesevitch (Wyoming), and Sandy Colangelo (New Mexico) following the October 7, 2016 passing of his beloved wife, Vanda, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

After his World War II military service, Dick graduated from Lebanon Valley College and University of Colorado Boulder with his B.S. and MS. in music. He was a highly regarded Band Director in the Mechanicsburg Area School District in PA for 37 years of dedicated service. He performed as a bassoonist in the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra for 30 years. They were past members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Shiremantown, PA. He participated in numerous educational, civic, and church undertakings giving back to the community. His favorite passions were photography, camping, cycling, fishing, and hunting.  He and Vanda enjoyed many warm winters in Florida.

Dick’s phenomenal recall of history–making events were shared and will be remembered by his grandchildren, Shawn Connors, and Jessi Connors, of Connecticut and  state of Washington respectfully. He was very proud of their accomplishments. His great grandson, Owen, loved to sit on his lap when he was wheelchair bound. He is also survived by his brother in law, John (Jack) Colangelo, of Mechanicsburg, PA.

His daughters graciously thank the Cripple Creek Care Center Staff for their kindness and the loving care shown to their father during his time there. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place and his ashes have been placed at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA beside Vanda’s for eternal rest. Dick’s daughters request your thoughts and prayers in addition to celebrating his life during a peaceful time in yours. The family will hold a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Vanda and Dick with the impact they made as music teachers in the Mechanicsburg community. While we are mourning the loss of our parents, others are now rejoicing to seeing them again.

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