Richard “Rich” Lee Newman

Richard “Rich” Lee Newman, 90, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

Rich was born in Sunbury, a son John and Mae (Guinn) Newman, Soon after birth the family moved to the Williamsport area, Rich remained rooted in his hometown throughout his life and became a cornerstone of its wrestling community. He was a 1954 graduate of Williamsport High School, he excelled on the wrestling team as a co-captain, three-year varsity letterman, and two-time District and Regional Champion. With a career record of 40-8-1–and a fastest pin record that stood unbroken for three decades–he left a legacy on and off the mat. Rich later devoted ten years to coaching at the YMCA before founding and guiding the Montoursville Elementary wrestling program, where he nurtured countless young athletes. His contributions to the sport were honored with inductions into both the West Branch and District Four Wrestling Halls of Fame.

After graduating, Rich served in the U.S. Army with Company E 51st Signal Battalion from Sept. of 1954 until Aug. of 1956 during the Korean War era. In 2019, he was awarded the Korean War “Medal of Peace”.

Returning from the service Rich held various positions in the Williamsport community, eventually retiring from Shop-Vac in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down–he later worked part-time with Hope Enterprises. Rich was a longtime member of the former Annunciation Catholic Church, now St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cheering on Alabama football and Penn State wrestling and watching Little League baseball games, and unwinding with episodes of The Three Stooges. Some of his happiest memories were made at Brandon Park with his children, taking his nieces on motorcycle rides, and sharing good conversation with his “Breakfast Club” friends.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Helen (Schuler) Newman; son, Marco Newman; daughter, Penny Newman; stepson, Mike Monks; stepdaughter, Lisa Miller; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and nieces, Christy Newman, Jan Newman, and Alex Reeser.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph Newman; and his beloved children, Kim Newman and Curtis Newman.

Family will receive family and friends at Crouse Funeral Home, 133 E. 3rd St., Williamsport, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 702 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, with Rev. David W. Bechtel officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Montoursville.

To share memories or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.