Jack Risheberger, noted Centre County architect, passed away on August 7, 2011 at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center from complications following a heart attack. He was 89 years old, and known by his family and friends for his gentle humor and generous nature.
Jack was born in Indiana, PA on September 10, 1922. He was graduated from Indiana High School and attended Penn State University from 1940 - 1942. He left the university at the start of WWII to serve in the US Army. He returned to Penn State after the war and received a degree in Architectural Engineering in 1949. He practiced architecture for over 40 years leaving a legacy of buildings that contributed to the development and architecture of Central Pennsylvania.
Jack had a distinguished military career. He served in Europe with the US Army Corps of Engineers for two and a half years. He landed on Omaha Beach on D Day and also participated in the rebuilding of the Remagen Bridge and the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in the Army Reserves 491st unit and retired from the military as a Lt. Colonel.
During his career as an architect, Jack was responsible for the design of many central Pennsylvania schools including the Westerly Parkway Junior and Senior High Schools, Indiana (PA) Junior and Senior High Schools, the Radio Park Elementary School, and the Park Forest Village Elementary School, which received awards for its innovative design. In addition, Jack designed numerous residences, as well as commercial, medical, and religious buildings including the Park Forest United Methodist Church, the St. Paul's Methodist Church Educational Center, the Ryder Motor Co. buildings, and Calderway.
Jack, his first wife, Mary Lou Douglass (now Snitger) and their two children lived in the College Heights neighborhood of State College for many years. Later in 1966, Jack married Meredith Burke and has since lived with her on their farm in Axemann, PA. After his retirement, Jack and Meredith divided their time between Axemann and Boca Raton, Florida where Jack taught at Lynn University and volunteered his architectural expertise to Habitat for Humanity.
Jack is survived by his wife, Meredith, his daughter Anne Trecker, his son Jack Risheberger, Jr. as well as four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A celebration of the life of Jack Risheberger will be held at on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2:30 p. m. at the Risheberger farm, 100 Hickory Hills Lane, Bellefonte, PA. Everyone is encouraged to bring a photograph and or a good story to help us remember Jack. In the event of rain, the memorial service will move to the Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes St., Bellefonte, PA. RSVP to Anne Risheberger Trecker at 617 513 1850 or to annetrecker@rcn.com. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Center County, 1155 Zion Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823 or online at www.habitatgcc.org.
An online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com