Richard A. Pinkham, of Emmaus, PA, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2023, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital with his family by his side.  He was 83 years young.

Rich was born April 21, 1940, in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late LaRoy and Dorothy (Michael) Pinkham.  Rich often told stories of his youth in Indiana and growing up near his uncle's farm.  At age 17, Rich enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Brooklyn, NY.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Sebina Pinkham (White) starting their love story by escorting Sebina to her Prom.

Rich and Sebina married November 10, 1962, and proceeded to have three very loved children. While raising his family in Fair Lawn, NJ, Rich worked as a trailer driver for Teamsters Local 807 for 42 years.  After so many years of loyal service, Rich finally retired in 2002.   One of his favorite activities during his retirement was taking many road trip style adventures with his brother, Francis Pinkham, exploring the United States using as many backroads as possible.

In 2019, Rich and Sebina started a new chapter in their lives, moving to Emmaus, PA to savor the quiet retirement life together.  Rich was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, of Emmaus, devout in this faith, and enjoyed spending his days in his wife's company.  He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, whose infectious smile was shared with all frequently.  He loved his country, the Flag, and had great respect for all veterans.   Everyone who knew him would describe him as a man of integrity, strong, and true to his word.  He enjoyed helping others and mentoring his children and grandchildren.   He considered his children his greatest achievement and was proud of whom they each are today as adults.  His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and his love for them will be no doubt be felt for the remainder of their lives.

Rich is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sebina; his children, Kevin and wife Haydee Pinkham, Karyn and husband Colin Stephenson, and Derek and wife Rachell Pinkham.  His surviving grandchildren are Ian, Owen, John Carlo, Griffin, Sean, Conor, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, and Aimee; and step-grandchildren, Keaton, Anderson, and Lillian.  He is also survived by his brother and best friend, Francis Pinkham and several nieces and nephews.  All will miss him tremendously.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 7, 2023, 11am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 415 S. 6th Street, Emmaus, PA.  The viewing will be held Thursday, July 6th, 2023, 5pm to 8pm at Schantz Funeral Home, 250 Main St, Emmaus, PA.   An interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Independence Fund, 412 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 or to Several Sources Shelter, 300 Airmount Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446.