Richard Rufus Barto

Richard Rufus Barto, 83, of Hershey, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the Masonic Village, Elizabethtown. He was born on Monday, May 26, 1930 in Lebanon to the late Harold C. and Mabel (Houser) Barto. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Emily J. (Roberts) Barto.

Richard worked for many years as the operations manager for Hersheypark and Arena. He later retired as head of security from the M.S. Hershey Medical Center. He was a faithful member of the Church of the Redeemer in Hershey and President of the Road Runners. Richard belonged to the Brownstone Lodge #666 and the Zembo Shrine. Most importantly he was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by a son; Stephen R. Barto and wife Connie of Hummelstown; a daughter, Diana L. Anspach and husband Joseph of Grantville; a son-in-law, Gary Laudermilch of Wellsboro; five grandchildren, Brian Laudermilch and wife Melanie of Montgomery, Mallory Anspach of Grantville, Trevor Anspach and fiancé Amanda Geyer of Hershey, Megan Betz and husband Joe of Hershey, Melissa Hallman and husband C.J. of Hummelstown; and six great-grandchildren, Seth, Brenden, Dylan, Sophia, Braxton, and Hannah. He was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Laudermilch.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11 AM at Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine St., Palmyra 17078 with Rev. Betsy E. Bruaw officiating. Family and friends are invited for viewing from 10 AM until 10:50 when a Masonic Service will be held. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in his honor to Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ, 500 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey 17033 or Brownstone Lodge #666, 215 W. Governor Rd., Hershey 17033.