Richard John Fiesta, 73, of Macungie, died Oct. 13, 2017, at Arden Court, Wescosville, with his superb St. Luke’s Hospice nurse, Deb and his wife of 50 years, Janine (Mutnansky) Fiesta by his side, from complications from vascular disease. Born in Mt. Pleasant, he was the son of Michael and Edna (Rosendale) Fiesta.

He particularly enjoyed recalling his National Guard service with brother, Bill, which included an active service call-up during the Hill District riots in 1968. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and the Italian neighborhood in which he grew up. He loved his years and recognition as an athlete, both in high school basketball and as the fastest runner in town. Later years in Allentown he continued running as well as developing great talent as a singles tennis player. He and best friend, Joseph Gogatz, managed work schedules to allow for almost daily tennis games followed by sometimes lengthy discussions regarding politics, even though they were not of the same political beliefs, but shared great respect and sense of humor.

Never one to sit around in his retirement years he especially enjoyed landscaping, gardening and caring for his beautiful contemporary home he had designed and built in 1985. An award for flower garden excellence was a source of great pride. He visited auctions and flea markets where he found outside sculptures and works of art for inside the home that were admired by all.

He had a lengthy career as an IRS manager in Northeast Philadelphia. He was brilliant in his job and always found a way to either solve the problem or to assist those working for him to find the answer. Mary Mcleish who started work the same day and became a best friend, brought an entire Irish Catholic Northeast Philadelphia family, Kevin and Michael, and special needs godson, Dan, into the lives of Fiesta and his family.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Dr. Melissa; grandson, Marcus Williams, of Long Beach, Calif.; brothers, Michael William (wife Mary), Ralph (wife Carol) and Donald (wife Kim); aunt and uncle, Ted and Mary Sulkowski, of Wayne; nephews, Michael, William and Bryan; niece Rayne; many friends and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Autism Speaks to honor godson, Dan.

Services will be held 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 20, in the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 1629 West Hamilton St., Allentown, 18102. The celebration will continue following this visitation at the Fiesta home, 2050 Dougherty Circle, Macungie, for refreshments and fellowship. A second visitation will be held 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Frank Kapr Funeral Home, 417 Pittsburgh St., Scottsdale, Pa. 15683. Prayers of Transfer will be offered Oct. 23 in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass 11 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Everson. Military honors will be provided at St. Pius X Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.