Longtime Fire Chief Mourned In Abington Twp.

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The township's fire community is mourning the recent passing of life member and longtime fire chief Richard Roatch Sr.

"It is with deep sadness that the Abington Fire Company announces the passing of Past Chief and Life Member Richard Roatch Sr.," the fire company posted on Facebook.

Roatch died on March 2 at age 91.

Roatch joined the Abington Fire Company in July 1952, protecting Abington Township residents for several decades, the fire company said.

During his tenure, Roatch served in numerous roles including fire chief for 28 years.

He also served the Abington Fire Company Relief Association from 1986-2023 as well as a county instructor for many years.

Born in Abington, Roatch graduated from Abington High School in 1950 and then attended Penn State University (Ogontz).

He served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1951 to 1955, during which time he was stationed in Africa and Cuba.

Following his service in the US Navy, he worked for C. Raymond Lukens Construction in North Wales before starting his own business as a contractor/carpenter, retiring in 1993, according to his obituary.

A visitation will be held on Saturday March 16th from 0930-1030 at Our Lady Help of Christian Church in Abington PA followed by a 1030 mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Abington Fire Company Relief Association, 1920 Horace Ave., Abington, PA 19001.

Any fire company personnel who wishes to attend services with apparatus and/or return to Station 100 for lunch should contact Deputy Chief Ed Lambert by email at Elambert12@abingtonfire.net.