Richard J. Sankey, 88, of East Salem died at 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Community General Osteopathic Hospital, Harrisburg.
Born on September 29, 1927 in Monroe Twp., Juniata County he was a son of the late Luther M. and Gladys (Beers) Sankey. On December 19, 1948 he married his surviving wife, Doris F. (Garman) Sankey, with whom he was blessed to share more than 67 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; Susan Leister and her husband Roy Jr., of East Salem, Donna Tusing and her husband James, of McAlisterville; a brother Delbert A. Sankey and his wife Eleanor, of Middletown; grandchildren, James Tusing and his wife Kimberly, Heidi Tebbe and her husband Brian, Patrick Leister, Joseph Tusing and his wife Holly; great grandchildren, Trey and Olivia Tusing, Hope, Lydia and Sarah Tebbe.
A great grandson, Cullen Tusing preceded him in death.
Mr. Sankey was a 1945 graduate of Fayette High School, McAlisterville and a member of the East Salem United Methodist Church, where he held many different offices in the administration of the church, including treasurer. He was also a founding member of the Delaware Twp. Fire Company, East Salem. In 2000, he was named the Thompsontown Lions Club "Citizen of the Year" and held the distinction of having perfect attendance for 25 years.
He proudly served his country, during WW II in the U.S. Army Air Force.
In earlier life, Richard worked at the Van Dyke Brick Factory and later owned and operated Sankey's Community Store, in East Salem from 1949 until it's closing in 1982. He also operated a grocery bus, for 26 years, which delivered groceries to many families in the area, as well as served on the Advisory Board Member for the Juniata Valley Bank, McAllisterville branch for 46 years.
His greatest joy came from spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from the East Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joseph Yorks officiating. Interment will follow in the Goodwill Cemetery, Bunkertown.
Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, at the church.
For those that wish, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sankey's memory to East Salem United Methodist Church, c/o the Mission Fund, 7398 Rt. 235, Mifflintown, PA 17059.
The Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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