Richard E. Sponenberg

Richard E. Sponenberg, 83, of Berwick, PA, passed away on October 1, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Berwick on December 24, 1942, he was the son of the late Lee and Mary (Slusser) Sponenberg. Richard was a graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1960. He served in the Army National Guard from 1960 to 1966, where he attained the rank of sergeant.

On September 30, 1961, Richard married the love of his life, Judith (Butz) Sponenberg. The two shared 65 years of marriage, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary together just one day before his passing. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his wife, Judith, Richard is survived by their two children: Kimberly Clausen and husband Larry of Berwick, and Todd Sponenberg and wife Stephanie of Bloomsburg. He was a cherished grandfather to his four grandchildren: Katrina Roth and husband Corey, Jeremy Clausen, Nathan Sponenberg, and Andrew Sponenberg. He loved being a great-grandfather to his great-grandsons, Easton and Asher.

Along with his parents, he was proceeded in death by his brothers Elmer and Dale Sponenberg.

Throughout his career, Richard held several positions, including working for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a foreman and later as an assistant superintendent, as well as serving as head of maintenance at the Columbia County Courthouse. He spent the final 20 years of his career working as an auditor and investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, retiring in June 2004.

Following retirement, Richard enjoyed traveling and making memories with his loved ones while continuing to keep busy driving school bus for Gallagher Student Transportation and working at Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home.

For over 50 years, he was a dedicated member of the former Calvary United Methodist church, Knapp Lodge #462 F&AM, Scottish Rite, NMJ Valley of Bloomsburg, and West Berwick Fire Company. He was an avid outdoorsman that especially enjoyed hunting, but nothing meant more to him than spending time with his family, whom he loved and cherished deeply.

All are welcome to join Richard’s family for his funeral 11 AM Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 E. Third Street, Berwick. Pastor George Price will officiate. Friends will be received 5-7 PM Monday, October 5 and 10 AM until the time of Masonic Funeral Services at 10:45 AM Tuesday, October 6. Interment with Military Honors at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Berwick, will follow the funeral. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or the Knapp Lodge Scholarship Fund, C/O Knapp Lodge, 1337 Orange Street, Berwick, PA 18603. The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Sponenberg family. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.