W. R. "Dick" Kettering

W. R. “Dick” Kettering, Ed.D., passed away on Friday, October 5, 2018 at age 85 surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Hershey, Pennsylvania May 21, 1933, his love of all things Hershey continued throughout his life. In his youth, he worked at many jobs throughout Hershey Including the Hershey Chocolate factory, Hershey Creamery and as a caddie at the Hershey Country Club. In his leisure time, he loved to take friends and family out to sporting events including the Hershey Bears, Penn State Nittany Lions and the Lancaster Barnstormers. He frequently enjoyed dinner theatre and beach vacations with his family. In Dr. Kettering’s early career, he taught Special Education at Shippensburg High School and held the position of coordinator of Special Education at William Penn High School in York, PA. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. His undergraduate degree was earned from The Penn State University and his Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh where he subsequently served as a faculty member. He taught at University of Florida before moving to Millersville University where he taught for over 25 years and retired as Professor Emeritus of Special Education and Psychology. In his retirement, he was an active volunteer as a critical incident stress management first responder counselor, which brought great purpose to his life. Dr. Kettering was ordained as a pastor and authored: Positive Behavior Change, and Meditations on the Gospel of Matthew: Guidelines for Daily Living (Volume I & II). He always encouraged his students and family members to pursue knowledge and education, as he did throughout life. Cherished, loving memories are held by his wife of 64 years, Dawn (Strickler) Kettering, his three children, Richard Kettering, Kimberly Kegel, and Kam Kettering and his grandchildren, Andrew, Vanessa, Jonathan and Benjamin Kettering; Alexis, Kristin, Laurel and Ariel Kegel. He also has four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Kettering, five brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and over 50 nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Country Meadows and Masonic Village Hospice. A private service is planned on Sunday, October 14, 2018. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.