Obituary of Ernest Dale Rickenbach

Ernest Dale Rickenbach, age 87, a resident of Pleasantville, NJ and long-time resident of Abington, PA, died on October 12, 2017. He was the beloved husband of the late Maryanne P. Rickenbach for 53 years.

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Stanley D. Rickenbach and the late Mary Olivia Rickenbach. Mr. Rickenbach attended Dobbins Vocational School until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948, where he served with honor.

Mr. Rickenbach retired from ACME Supermarkets where he spent 35 years as a meat cutter and Meat & Seafood Department Manager. After retirement, he served as a five-term commissioner for Abington Township. He was also a member of the Lions Club. He served on the vestry at St. Peter's Church in Glenside and was a long-time member of St. Anne's Church in Abington.

Mr. Rickenbach was an avid bicyclist, and participated in the North-South ride from Portland, ME to Orlando, FL at the age of 64. He was a proponent of the creation of bicycle trails across the state, and rode with former Governor Tom Ridge and other government officials to promote that cause.

He spent the last years in the company of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild at his home on Lakes Bay, where he enjoyed hosting numerous family gatherings, and celebrated many milestones and holidays together. Mr. Rickenbach was especially proud of his grandchildren and was equally thankful for the time he was able to spend with them.

He is survived by his sons; Dale Rickenbach of Rockville, MD, David Rickenbach and his wife Mary Rose of Inkerman, PA, Thomas Rickenbach of Gaithersburg, MD and Andrew Rickenbach, also of Gaithersburg, MD. He is also survived by five grandchildren, one great grandchild, and by his sister Agnes Pierce of Warminster, PA and his brother Rodney Rickenbach of Haddon Heights, NJ.

Relatives and friends will be received on Monday, October 23, 2017 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Helweg & Rowland Funeral Home, 1059 Old York Road, Abington. Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 2119 Old Welsh Road (at Old York Road), Abington. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), 210 Hetzel Union Building, University Park, PA 16802. (www.donate.thon.org)