Richard "Rich" William Walb, 68, of Exeter Township, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Hershey Medical Center. Born in Reading, PA on February 10, 1955, to the late Frances H. Walb and Margaret (Eisenhower) Walb.
Rich was a graduate of Oley Valley High School, class of 1972. He was a naturally gifted athlete and a strong competitor, he played football, baseball, and soccer during his high school days and excelled in ALL of them. He continued to play semi-professional football and baseball into adulthood. When he was in a bowling league, he even earned a perfect game bowling ring. He carried his love of sports throughout his lifetime by being a big fan of the Philadelphia EAGLES. He could be heard cheering them on or cursing them out during the football season. He loved to have competitive banter with his daughter Brittany, who is a big fan of the Cowboys. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and would give coaching advice before and after each game.
Rich was a man of many talents especially working with his hands. He could build or fix anything! After graduation, he found great success in the carpentry and construction field. Rich worked with various construction companies throughout Berks County for more than 40 years, last working at Reading Contracting. However, his true passion was being the proud owner/operator of Dexter Manikin Repair. For over 15 years, Rich repaired dental radiology manikins for colleges across the United States.
He also had the ability to fix cars. He worked on cars throughout his life. His first project was remodeling an old Vega and then he moved on to build custom vans, during his early years. This talent was a blessing because he was often called to fix everyone’s car in the family during his later years.
In his spare time, Rich loved setting up at flea markets and became known as the toy collector. He had a natural ability to sell and enjoyed conversing with his customers to “ haggle” for firm but fair prices.
Rich enjoyed spending time in nature and loved fishing with his dad and uncles when he was growing up and continued sharing this hobby with his children and wife. He loved all kinds of music and even played briefly in a band when he was younger. In recent years, he looked forward to traveling and exploring new places with his wife on vacation each year.
He had a strong countenance and gave great advice not holding back his opinion. He always told you the truth, even if it was not what you wanted to hear. He held strong to his firm convictions and beliefs striving to live life with honesty and integrity gaining him respect from friends and family. On the flip side, he could sometimes be called “ a lovable grump” with a feisty temper but, he loved his family fearlessly and always tried to help in any way he could. Many times he would put their needs above his own just so he could see them happy.
He lived life on his terms. And most assuredly, he did it his way!
Lastly, Rich will fondly be remembered for his incredible sense of humor. His humor would give everyone big, belly laughs with his quick witted comments. His family and friends all know he has them laughing in heaven. He wife called him the "triple threat" - handsome, talented and super smart.
Rich's spirit will be carried on by his wife, Joy Lynn Brown-Walb; his 2 daughters Tanya Lynn Walb and Brittany Ann Walb. He also leaves behind a sister Francis Quaintance; 2 step daughters Brandi Lee Brown and Emily Ann Brown; step son Benjamin Steven Brown; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and two faithful four-legged cat companions, Ursula and Angel. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his daughter Madison Marie Walb and his brother David Walb.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Auman's Inc. Funeral Home, 391 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606, followed by open floor memory sharing, promptly commencing at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, a monetary donation toward his final expenses would be greatly appreciated by his family. Please contact Auman Funeral Home at (610) 374-4505 to make a donation OR mail check payable to Auman's Inc. 391 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Please reference Richard Walb in check memo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aumansinc.com for the Walb family.
