Page created by: Amanda

1930 to 2017 Richard German (Sonny or Uncle Sonny) age 87 of Landenberg, Pa formally of Middletown Township / Media Pa, peacefully left us on September 13, 2017, after losing his battle with Parkinson's. Having watched his siblings also battle the same disease, he elected to not partake in any medical or drug treatments that would eventually stop helping and just prolong his struggles, he was more concerned for those of us taking care of him.
A devoted family man, husband, friend and business owner, he was born May 24, 1930 in Glenolden, Pa and grew up in Glenolden and Folcroft Pa. in a household with his seven brothers and sisters. He graduated from Glen-Nor High School (Interboro) in 1948. After graduation Richard worked with several local farmers until he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 with the rank of Ensign 3rd Class, serving time at the Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk Virginia and on the USS Missouri, he was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in June 1953. After proudly serving his country Richard returned home to Folcroft. Expanding upon the skills he had attained in the Navy, Richard started working at the Baldwin Locomotive plant in Eddystone, Pa and then at Westinghouse Electric Company in Philadelphia, completing their Tool and Die apprenticeship while also attending classes at Drexel University. In 1957 Richard married his wife Helen N. (Everett) and moved to Sharon Hill, Pa where they began to raise a family. From 1964 until his retirement in 2008, at age 77, Richard operated his own machine shop, (R German Machine and later Freedom Machine), in Holmes, Pa.

Aside from his family and business his next great love was his cabin in upstate Pennsylvania where he would go to escape with his wife, from the business world. No phone or TVs at this place, just a warm cup of coffee and the porch swing, where he would start every morning. At his cabin, Richard enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing with his family. He also enjoyed family trips to Disney, and sharing time with his children, grandchildren and great granddaughters who brought a smile to his face during his later years. He was the guy who would help anyone, if it was broke he was the guy to take it to so it could be repaired. During his short illness, it is comforting to know that Richard was provided unconditional care and assistance by his daughter Beverly and grandson AJ and granddaughter Amanda. A true gentleman, friend, husband, father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather he will be missed by many.

Richard German was the son of the late Willian P. and Frances Marian German. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen of 44 years; his brothers William and Arthur and two sisters Virginia Evangelista and Marian German. He is survived by his 3 children; son Richard H. German (Rolinda) of Red Lion, Pa; son James German (Heather) of Landenberg, Pa; and daughter Beverly German also of Landenberg, Pa with whom he had lived the last 5 years. He is additionally survived by his eight grandchildren, one step-grandson, and two great granddaughters; his sisters Nancy (Ed) Noa and Helen Lawrence; and brother Fredrick; and multiple nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion Betty Boultinghouse of Aston, Pa

As Amanda notes: Richard was my grandfather and one of the greatest men I have gotten to know. He has always lent a helping hand to those in need. He has always been one willing to fix whatever he could. Family always came first and he shared his love with all around him. Never a bad thing to say and never one to say a bad thing.


As a family we will do whatever we can to help others fight and find a treatment for this terrible disease.