Richard Lawrence Bard

Richard Lawrence Bard, 65, of New Holland, PA, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the VA hospital in Lebanon, PA. Richard was born on September 16, 1951 in New Holland, PA to the late J. Richard Bard and the late Arlene B. Conner (Murphy). He was the husband of Lourdes B. (Grau) Bard, with whom he celebrated 35 years of marriage on December 28, 2016. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his son, Joshua Lawrence Bard with whom he had a great relationship; 3 siblings, Michael C. Bard, husband of Valerie of New Holland, PA, Kathleen (Bard) Merchlinski, wife of John R Merchlinski of Narvon, PA, Sally Bard from MD; 1 brother-in-law, Felix Grau from Honeybrook, PA; 2 sisters-in-laws, Iris M. Grau from San Juan, Puerto Rico and Shelia (Grau) Lopez, wife of Jose L. Lopez, San Antonio, TX; 2 cousins, 7 nieces and nephews and 3 grand nieces. He enjoyed hiking, going for walks, reading, listening to music, going to concerts, traveling and spending time with his family. He loved family time. Before going to college, Richard served in the US Navy from 1969 to 1972. He was a Corpsman in Norfolk, VA and was proud to serve in the US Navy. After the Navy he worked at Sears until 1977 when he decided to go to college. Richard earned a BA in Biology from Virginia Intermont College in 1981 and an MS in Biology from Millersville University 1985. He taught at Penn State Berks Campus and Lincoln University in Oxford, PA. After 7 years of teaching college level he returned to Millersville University where he earned his teacher certification. He felt he could make a difference with the students before they left high school. For the last 20 years he taught at North East HS and Perryville HS, Cecil County, MD where he was a Biology teacher. He loved teaching and was well liked by his students and peers. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 11. 2017 from 10-11:00AM at The Groffs Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 528 W. Orange St., (corner of W. Orange & Pine Sts.), Lancaster PA. We will leave at 11:00AM for Longeneckers Reformed Mennonite Cemetery where a Graveside Service with military honors will take place. Donations in Richard’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.