Richard J. Gilliard, 74, of Bethlehem, died Oct. 14, 2013, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Sandra (Bernini) for 50 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Frederick W. and Anna C. (Milkovitz) Gilliard.

He was a Central Catholic High School graduate. He earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education at Millersville University.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and was in the 82nd Airborne paratroopers from 1958 to 1961.

He was an engineering mechanic for the Schaffer/Stroh's Brewery, Trexlertown, for 28 years before retiring in 2001.

He was a member of Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Richard J. Jr. and his wife Lisa of Walnutport; a daughter, Deborah A. and her husband Kevin Kutos of Bethlehem; a brother, Frederick Gilliard of Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.; a sister, Susan and her husband Jay Hynicker of Elizabethtown; a son-in-law, Steven Bonn of Camden, N.C.; and six grandchildren, Andrew, Dean, Sarah, Shannon, Tyler and Kylie.

He was predeceased by two daughters, Linda S. Gilliard and Lisa M. Bonn.

Contributions may be made to church building fund, c/o the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, 18067.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home Inc.