Richard C. Bond, 78, of Kempton, died on Dec. 23, 2017, in Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient since Dec. 17.

He and his wife Janet I. (Bailey) Bond were married for 59 years.

Born Nov. 7, 1939, in Albany Township, he was the son of the late Clarence A. and Florence E. (Fister) Bond.

A 1957 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the former Kutztown State College, now Kutztown University.

He did additional graduate work through NDEA grants at Albright College, Hofstra University, and spent a summer abroad in Germany through Southern Illinois University.

He taught English and German in the Kutztown Area School District for 34 years before retiring in 1997.

Singing was a large part of his life, starting at an early age in the church youth choir, then high school and college choruses.

Later, he was the featured singer in a German band, “The Happy Dutchmen,” for almost 40 years, and he also sang with the Rajah Shrine Chanters.

A life member of New Bethel Church, he served several terms as council president, and held other offices.

Additionally, he was a former officer and board member of its cemetery association.

He was a charter member of the Kempton Lions Club having served several terms as president, secretary and treasurer.

He was a member of Vaux Lodge 406, F&AM, Hamburg; Scottish Rite, West Reading; and the Rajah Shriners, Reading.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Carrie E. of Montgomery County; son Aaron R. and his wife Whitney (Ricketts) Bond of Illinois; grandchildren Zola M. and Phoebe J. Mennis, Ethan A., Griffin Richard, and Harrison C. Bond; sisters Jean F. Rauch, widow of Elmer Rauch of Kempton, and Shirley I., wife of Donald E.A. Fotheringill of Reading; mother-in-law Mary E. (Lutz) Bailey; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Lester F., and his father-in-law, Mark D. Bailey.

His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Dec. 28 in New Bethel Church, 135 New Bethel Road, Kempton, with a calling hour beginning 10 a.m.

Pastor Laura L. Stoneback will officiate. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children and/or to the church memorial fund, c/o Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, 8405 Kings Highway, New Tripoli, PA 18066.

Condolences to the family may be made at nesterfuneralhome.com.