Richard S. Lewis

Richard S. Lewis, 74, of Fleetwood, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Born April 30, 1950, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he was the son of the late Harold and Gaby (Gabet) Lewis. He and his wife of 27 years, Teresa M. Lewis, were married at Visitation B.V.M. Church, Trooper, PA.

Rick was a brilliant educator who worked as a Special Education Teacher for the Toronto School Board from 1980 to 1994. He established the Special Olympics program at his school and was presented with The Council of Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year Award in 1991.

Rick went on to work for the City of Philadelphia as a Physical Education Teacher from 1997 to 2013. Upon his retirement, he continued to volunteer in the classroom and received the U.S. President's Gold Volunteer Service Award from 2014 to 2019, as well as the 2019 U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 4000 hours of community service volunteering in the classroom.

Strong in his faith, Rick was a member of Visitation B.V.M., Holy Guardian Angels, and currently St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown. He participated in the St. Titus Charismatic prayer group from 1997 to 2013.

He was a graduate of De La Salle Academy, Toronto, received a Bachelor's Degree and Teacher Certifications in Physical Education and Special Education from York University and the University of Toronto, as well as his Master's of Educational Administration from Temple University.

With a twinkle in his eyes, Rick found joy in simple things like his favorite foods-a fresh cup of coffee and a good chocolate. Rick could always be counted on for his mastery of general knowledge, quick wit, and dry humor. He had a love for adventure and was a world traveler (Africa, Belgium, Italy--to name a few), but his prized destination was the Gulf Coast of Florida where he could be found swimming every morning with the manatees.

A born athlete, Rick not only coached a variety of sports, but he also enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, and marathon running, as well as many other physical activities. Combined with his love of arts and culture, Rick took ballet lessons for the last 5 years.

Everyone who knew Rick admired his loyalty, dedication, generosity, and kind, gentle spirit. He was loved by anyone whose life he touched.

In addition to his wife, Teresa, Rick is survived by his brother, Michael Lewis (Toronto, Ontario), his sisters-in-law, Gail Coulas (Hamilton, Ontario), Loretta Augustin (wife of Richard, Fleetwood), Kristin Dunkle (wife of Eric, Fleetwood), and his nieces and nephews, Michele and Nathan Lee, Erik and Lindsay Augustin, Dr. Adam Lewis, and Ms Annie Lewis.

Along with his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. David Lewis.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rick will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10:15 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with Rev. John C. Maria as celebrant. A viewing for Rick will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow the mass at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is honored to be caring for Rick and his family. Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to Teresa at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.