Richard L. Musselman, 79, of Emmaus, died peacefully on Oct. 18, 2023, in Lehigh Valley Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Raymond W. and Bertha May (Dewees) Musselman. Richard graduated from Slatington High School in 1962 and earned his Bachelor's of Education (1966) and Master's of Education (1970) from Kutztown State College. He was a German teacher at Brandywine Heights High School for 35 years and served as the teachers' union president in the 1970s. At Brandywine, he met his loving wife of 33 years, the late Wendy J. (James), the school librarian. Following his retirement in 2001, Richard was an adjunct professor of German at Moravian College, Muhlenberg College, and Penn State Lehigh Valley for a total of 45 years in the classroom. In addition to German, he loved Pennsylvania German and was a member of three Grundsau Lodges, serving on the Raad (Board of Directors) for Lodge #13. He was the author of a book and audiobook to encourage learning and speaking the dialect. He was an active member of Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church and enjoyed reading in church, especially in German from the Schlatter Bible.

Richard never missed the first day of trout season and was a longtime member of Alburtis Rod & Gun Club and Upper Milford Field & Stream. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, and had encyclopedic knowledge of sports trivia. He was active with the East Penn Democrats, volunteering for political campaigns and participating in events supporting social justice causes. Richard loved travel and visited 36 countries and 42 states. He appreciated theater and regularly attended Broadway shows and was a subscriber to the PA Shakespeare Festival since 1994. He also enjoyed camping, driving his roadster, and hosting game nights.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Jenna and husband David Yott; grandchildren, Ingrid Jill and Theodore James; brother, David Musselman and wife Bernice; beloved companion of 13 years, Roseann Smoyer; many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Ray.

Funeral services will be held on Wed., Oct. 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM in Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, 3441 Devonshire Rd., Allentown, PA 18103. Viewing 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the church. Interment will follow in Western Salisbury Cemetery. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to his church.