Richard Lawrence Falk, 88, of Millersville, PA, passed away June 15, 2010. He was the husband of the late Margaret Russell Falk who died in 1991.
A graduate of Manor High School, now Penn Manor High School, and an alumnus of Millersville State Teachers College, now Millersville University, Falk was a musician, teaching piano and organ. He was also an organist for St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster from 1940 to 1942, when he entered the United States Army. He served in the Medical Corps until 1946. He spent two years in England and France, being discharged as a Technical Sergeant.
He returned to St. John’s as Choirmaster and Organist serving in that capacity until 1960, when he accepted the job of Choirmaster and Organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church, York, PA, retiring in 1983. Both churches had a men and boys choir.
He studied with the late H. William Hawke at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and with the late Harold W. Gilbert at St. Peter’s Choir School, both in Philadelphia.
While employed at the York church, he also served three terms on the Canonical Vestry and as Clerk of same for several years. He was also a member of the Elizabeth A. Bonham Fund Advisory Committee and Trustee of same.
A lifelong resident of Millersville, he was born in Lancaster, PA to the late Edward and Eva Graybill Falk. Surviving is a son, Edward Russell Falk married to Shirley H. Falk of Marietta, PA. Another son, Richard Lawrence Falk, Jr., preceded him in death.
He was a former member of the York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, a charter member and life member of Millersville Post #7294 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was also an accompanist for the AMVET Male Chorus which later became the Lancaster Male Chorus after WWII in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA with the Rev. John W. Morris and the Rev. Timothy K. Small officiating. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in the St. John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.