Richard M. Fencel MD

Dick was born August 18, 1934 in Montclair, NJ. He was the only child of Joseph and Josephine Fencel. In his early years, the family moved to Lancaster, PA where Dick attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Lancaster Catholic High School. He graduated from Lancaster Catholic in 1952 with academic honors and was known as a standout athlete in multiple sports. He attended Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA on a full scholarship majoring in biology. While at VMI, he participated in 4 sports (baseball, football, basketball and track & field) and was recognized as one of a handful of cadets to ever do so in school history. Per Dick, it was to get out of marching. He graduated from VMI in 1956 as the class valedictorian. At some point during his baseball career, he was recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers but decided to pursue medicine instead. Dick went on to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, graduated in 1960 and completed his residency in Radiology in 1964. Dick also served in the US Army for two years from 1962 to 1963.

During his college summers, Dick was an ocean lifeguard in Ocean City, NJ. That is where he met the love of his life, Kathleen (“Kath”) Louise Murphy in the summer of 1957. As the story goes, toward the end of the summer, Kath was invited by her best friend's parents to join them on a trip to Bermuda. Kath had never flow before and was eager to go. However, she knew that Dick was quite a catch and leaving may mean the end of their romance. True to form, Dick had a dozen roses waiting for Kath upon her return and their love was forged forever. The two married on June 14, 1958.

In 1967, Dick came to Harrisburg, joining Tristan Associates and practiced at Polyclinic Medical Center until his retirement in 1998. Professional career highlights include: From 1977 to 1991 - Medical Director of Radiology at Polyclinic Medical Center, 1984 - inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Radiology, 1986 - served as President of the Medical Staff at Polyclinic, From 1977 to 1992 - served as President and Chairman of the Board of Tristan Associates. He will always be known as a kind, compassionate, and highly skilled physician.

Dick enjoyed spending time with family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. In the late '60's and early '70's, he was a youth baseball coach. He enjoyed reading and was known to read over and over again Louis L'Amour novels. He was an avid golfer and long time member of The Country Club of Harrisburg. He recorded a total of 6 “holes in one” in his lifetime. In 2000, Dick was inducted into the Lancaster Catholic Athletic Hall of Honor. He was a member of Good Shepherd Parish and a devote Catholic. Perhaps his favorite pastime was sitting on the porch with Kath, looking at the creek and admiring the wildlife and natural beauty. Dick was a colon cancer surviver for 25 years.

Simply put, Dick Fencel was a family man, a wonderful father and grandfather, a loyal, gentle, proud and loving husband, a man of faith, a committed and caring physician and, for many, a true friend. His commitment to his family and faith, his selflessness and dedication to his profession will always be his legacy.

Along with his loving wife, Kathleen, of 59 years, Dick is survived by his children; Michael (Jami) of Temecula, CA, Richard, Jr, (late wife Joa) of Basking Ridge, NJ, Joseph John “Jay” (Susan) of Harrisburg, PA, Stephen (Carol) of Jacksonville, FL, Christopher (Francine) of Camp Hill, PA and Mary Jo (Richard) Dibianco of Princeton, NJ and his 16 grandchildren; Nicole, Jordan, Ryan, Troy, Robin, JJ, Thomas, Alexa, Christopher, Timmy, Matthew, Kathleen, Serena, Gracia, Giovanna and Alessandra.

There will be a celebration of life and memorial service on Tuesday, October 10th at Good Shepherd Church. The family will receive guests at the Parish Hall from 9:30 to 11am with a funeral mass to follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Harrisburg Diocese Catholic Charities, The American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.