Richard F. “Dick” Griess

Richard F. “Dick” Griess, 97, of Williamsport, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Shirley A. (Forshaw) Griess, on March 11, 2016.

Born January 3, 1929, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Heinz and Ruth (Hess) Griess.

Richard was a 1946 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he began a lifelong career at Grit Publishing Co., working as a hot lead linotype operator and later advancing to a cold type operator. He spent almost 40 years in this role before spending his last seven years before retirement as a sales and graphic coordinator.

Richard was a member of the Duboistown United Methodist Church and a life member of VFW Post #7863, Duboistown. Richard was a self-taught artist and a member of the Bald Eagle Art League, where he served as treasurer. Many of his paintings hang across the United States and also in Europe.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Richard also enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Ways Garden Committee in his early years. His athletic spirit was evident from his youth, having been a player on one of the first Little League teams with Carl Stotz as his manager. He later shared this passion with his sons, serving as the assistant manager and coach of their Little League team and dedicating his time as the treasurer of Newberry Little League. Richard’s zest for life extended to his love of motorcycles, with his prized Goldwing providing countless memories of open road adventures. He and his wife were also known for their grace on the dance floor, where they would glide together in perfect harmony, much to the delight of friends and family.

Richard is survived by three sons, Jeffrey L. Griess, of KY, Brian D. Griess (Diane), of South Williamsport, and Michael R. Griess (Maryann), of Nisbet; three grandchildren, Angelique Poeth (Matthew), Vanessa Criswell (Brandon), and Katelynn Bedell (Andrew); a step-grandson, Thomas Smith (Lacey); eight great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law (Emily), of NY; one niece; and three nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was predeceased by two brothers, William “Bill” Griess and Roy Griess; as well as a sister-in-law, Norma Griess.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Burial will be held in Wildwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037 or to the Salvation Army, 457 Market Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Richard’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who compassionately cared for him during his stay.

Arrangements entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made on Richard’s memorial page at www.KnightConferFuneralHome.com.