Richard D. Bacchi, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at the age of 87 on July 15, 2023. Richard was one of four children of the late Joseph and Lucille (Cusamano) Bacchi, born on December 26, 1935.
Richard graduated from Pottstown High School and went on to attend Ursinus College for a B.A. in history and social studies and his Master’s Degree from Temple University. He also received his post-graduate studies at Penn State University. During this time, he met his future wife, Nancy (Henry). They had two children and were married for 60 years. He had a 33-year career as a teacher at the Spring Ford Junior High where he taught social studies, focusing on Ancient Civilizations. His favorite topic was teaching about Egypt. Richard read countless books over the years about it and became quite knowledgeable. He fulfilled his dream of visiting Egypt twice and his students asked him to write them postcards home when he was there. Richard was also a track coach for Spring Ford numerous years and enjoyed several undefeated seasons. They gave him a trophy commemorating this accomplishment, and it was always on display at his home.
Richard served three years in the US Army in Korea and New Orleans as a criminal investigator with the military police where he was awarded soldier of the week and month several times. He was asked to become part of the Military Police when stationed in Korea. It came with his story that was passed down to his grandchildren about “always being honest and telling the truth.”
Richard was very well known in the community. He was an elected commissioner for over 20 years in West Pottsgrove Township. He was President of Commissioners and in charge of police. On Thanksgiving, he would often invite the police officer on duty over to the house for a quick dinner. He also spent great amounts of time on numerous committees such as the Planning Committee, Recreation Board and Board of Health. His work in the community was a big part of who he was and many people called on him, sometimes in the middle of the night, because they knew he would help them. He also did volunteer work at a local hospital including working in the pharmacy.
He was a member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church and the Elks Club. He loved watching his Eagles, reading, doing crossword puzzles, going to the Italian club for dinner, and working in his yard. He also did extensive traveling, visiting 42 states with his wife and kids and later he and Nancy traveled to places all around the world. Together they even visited Antarctica. Richard loved his sweets and a chocolate bar was never too far away. He had a very dry sense of humor and came up with some good zingers. The grandchildren loved doing puzzles and painting with him and taking him for ice cream with gummy bears.
Surviving along with his wife Nancy are his son Stephen (Aileen); daughter Lisa (Todd); grandchildren Julianne, Emily, and Rena; his sister Lillian Birard of Lakeland, Fl; nephew Anthony (Brenda) of Lakeland, Fl; nephew Kevin (Beth) of Irvine, Ca; niece Cheryl (John) of Irvine, Ca; nephew Darryl of Bridgeport, Pa; niece Lorijon (Peter) of London, England. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Russell and Joseph Bacchi, Jr.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11AM at Highland Memorial Park, Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA 19464.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at
Alzheimer’s Association
P.O.Box 96011
Washington DC, 20090-6011
Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease