The Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Loeper, 92, Pastor Emeritus of Holy Ghost Parish, Bethlehem, died Aug. 26, 2017, at Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem. Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Joseph J. and Mary A. (Voelker) Loeper.

He attended Saint Paul Grammar School, Reading, and Reading Central Catholic HS. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Millersville State College and Villanova University, from which he earned a master’s segree in education administration, and from The Institute for Continuing Theological Education at North American College, Rome, Italy.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1950 by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

He was a Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary Parish, Phoenixville. He then was a professor at Allentown Central Catholic HS, with residence at Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Stephen of Hungary rectories, Allentown. He was the principal of both Pius X High School, Roseto, with residence at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary rectory, Pen Argyl; and of Holy Name HS, Reading, with residence at Saint Cyril and Methodius rectory. His first pastoral assignment was at Saint Joseph Parish, Reading. He was later the pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Hyde Park, and then at Holy Ghost Parish, Bethlehem, where he remained until his retirement in 1999. He was then named the Pastor Emeritus of Holy Ghost Parish. He was on various committees in the diocese throughout his ministry. He was named an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness by Pope Paul VI on Dec. 21, 1974.

He is survived by a brother, Donald J. Loeper, M.D.; and a sister, Bernadette (Loeper) Wolff; 18 nieces and nephews; grandnieces;and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, the Reverend Frederick Loeper and Charles Loeper.

Contributions may be made to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Diocese of Allentown, P. O. Box F, Allentown, PA 18105; or to Holy Ghost Church, 417 Carlton Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Arrangements were made by James Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.