Rodney Eugene Rishel Sr., Ph.D., 69, of Clearfield died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 at his home.
Mr. Rishel was born June 1, 1946 in St. Mary’s, the son of Ashley Rishel and Esther (Cole) Rishel Schmidt.
He was a graduate of the Smethport High School, the University of Buffalo and the Clayton College, where he received his Ph.D. in holistic nutrition.
Mr. Rishel was a health and physical education teacher for the Clearfield Area School District for more than 30 years.
While serving his tenure there, he started SADD in 1990 and coached football and girls track. He had also served on the school board.
He always told his classes, “It’s a beautiful day in Pennsylvania” and taught them how to live a healthy life.
He enjoyed coaching Little League and adored his pets.
Mr. Rishel was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen G. (Hoover) Dunn Rishel, to whom he was married Aug. 19, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nev.
He is also survived by a son, Rodney E. Rishel Jr. and his wife, Melanie of Houston, Texas; a step-son, Patrick Dunn and his wife, Michelle of Curwensville; five grandchildren, Jackson and Duncan Rishel and Tyler, Brady and Jase Dunn; a sister, Kathleen L. Kennedy and her husband, Russell of Bellefonte; and two brothers, Robyn Rishel of Florida and Kip Rishel of Roaring Springs.
Mr. Rishel was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Katherine Cosper Rishel; and a brother, Dennis A. Rishel.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield with the Rev. Robert Croft officiating.
Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
