Richard T. 'Ricky' Ernst, 31, of Bethlehem Twp. [Obituary]

Richard T. “Ricky” Ernst, 31, of Bethlehem Township entered into eternal life on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013 at his residence. He was born in Bethlehem on June 10, 1982 to Wayne R. Ernst of Fountain Hill and Wendy M. (Beahm) Ernst of Hellertown. He had a special relationship with his sister, Kristy G. Ernst of Bath, and his fiancé, Rebecca L. Rau, with whom he resided. For the past five years, Richard delivered and installed appliances for Lehigh Supply, Bethlehem. He was a member of New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lower Saucon Township. Richard was passionate about music, books, animals, movies, the New York Yankees and the Oakland Raiders. He also had a very special relationship with his fiancé’s daughter, Bristle.

SURVIVORS

In addition to his parents, fiancé, sister; paternal grandmother: Eleanor R. (Snyder) Ernst of Hellertown and cousins: Jeff, Jeneile, Kyle, Abby, Hayley, Nicky, Charlie; aunts and uncles: Arthur, Roxanne, Kathy, Mark, Lynn, Bob, Eddie, Debbie, Chuck, Pat. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents: Mary S. (Slaski) Beahm and Edward F. Beahm; paternal grandfather: Jack R. Ernst; uncle: Richard J. Ernst. 

SERVICE

Family and friends are invited to call from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown. The calling hour will be followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. at New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3233 Apples Church Road, Bethlehem, with the Rev. Tricia A. McMackin officiating. The interment will conclude services at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3233 Apples Church Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015 and Heartland Hospice of Allentown, 881 Marcon Blvd., Allentown, PA 18109.