Richard “Rich” Lee Newman

December 14, 1934 – November 26, 2025

Richard “Rich” Lee Newman, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025 at the age of 90.

Born to the late John and Mae (Guinn) Newman, he was a lifelong resident of Williamsport and a pillar of its wrestling community. Rich was a proud graduate of Williamsport High School’s class of 1954. He was a formidable force on the wrestling mat, serving as co-captain and earning a three-year varsity letter. As a two-time District and Regional Champion with a career record of 40-8-1, his record for the fastest pin stood for an incredible 30 years. Rich generously shared his passion for the sport, coaching for 10 years at the YMCA before organizing and leading the Montoursville Elementary Program, where he mentored many champion wrestlers. His lasting impact was formally recognized with his induction into both the West Branch and District Four Halls of Fame.

Following graduation, Rich proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, from September of 1954 until August of 1956, as a Signal Corps lineman with Company E 51st Signal Battalion. In 2019, he was honored with the Korean War “Medal of Peace.”

After his service, Rich worked several jobs in the Williamsport area before retiring from Shop-Vac in 1997. Never one to stay idle, he then worked part-time at Hope Enterprises.

He was a member of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish (formally Annunciation Catholic Church.)

Rich cherished life’s simple pleasures. He was a Penn State wrestling fan, and he loved fishing, hunting, watching Alabama football, and laughing at The Three Stooges. Some of his fondest memories were made at Brandon Park with his children, giving his nieces motorcycle rides, and spending time with his “Breakfast Club” buddies.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen (Schuler) Newman; his son, Marco Newman; his daughter, Penny Newman; his stepson, Mike Monks; his stepdaughter, Lisa Miller; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his dear nieces, Christy Newman, Jan Newman, and Alex Reeser.

Rich is now reunited with those who passed before him: his parents, John and Mae; his brother, Joseph Newman; and his beloved children, Kim Newman and Curtis Newman.

Visitation will be December 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crouse Funeral Home, 133 E 3rd Street, Williamsport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 702 W. 4th Street, Williamsport, with burial and full military honors to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Montoursville.

“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” Romans 14:8 ESV