Richard Allen Border 72, of Everett, Pa. son of the late John T. and Rose L. Border took his new Heavenly address that his Lord promised, to be with his family and friends that passed before him, passed away at UPMC, Altoona at 5:53p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020 from complications from his Myasthenia Gravis, with his best friend and caregiver Dona by his side. Richard was born on September 11, 1948 at his home at Hollers Extension, Everett, Pa. Preceded in death by parents and brothers Robert Border and Donald Border. Survived by brother John Charles of Everett, Carole of Everett and Terry Border and spouse Erick Osorio of Lewes, Delaware, his caregiver Dona Helsel, many nieces and nephews, especially 2 special nephews who he knew he could call on day or night, Keith Border who always stopped to see him or texted or called to see if there was anything he could do to help. Keith was always a blessing to Richard’s parents also. And Kevin Border offering his help.
He was a graduate of Everett Southern High School in 1966 and Grace College in Winona Lake, In., in 1974.
He taught 5th and 6th grades at Mann - Monroe Elementary in Clearville with the Everett Area School District upon graduating from college in 1974 until 2004.
He was head teacher of the Mann-Monroe School and President of the local teachers Association for most of his teaching years.
He worked as a radio dj at Bedford WBFD and Everett WSKE radio.
During his teaching years he was given a paddle from one of his students that he named Big Ben. A lot of students asked him if he took Big Ben home with him when he retired, his reply “yes he did“.
He was a member of the Community Grace Brethren Church, Raystown Road, Everett.
He loved teaching and the teaching staff. He loved diet Pepsi, playing Words with Friends, watching hours of MSNBC news and Hallmark movies, attending Southern Gospel Hymn sings with Dona on the Eastern coast when his health was better, and checking in with his friends on the telephone.
Richard and Dona would like to thank everyone for your prayers and thoughtfulness and kindness over the last 15 years, during his illness with Myasthenia Gravis and recently the last 18 months with his chemo for Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
A special thank you to LOVE INC - without their help with the use of their ministry van we would not have been able to go to a lot of the doctor appointments and monthly chemo treatments, Especially Doris and Sheldon, Amy and Bev for helping coordinate around all his schedules. For Raystown Ambulance and Bedford Ambulance - for all their volunteers that helped pick him up after many falls and driving him to Bedford and Altoona UPMC Hospitals.
For the nurses and Danette and Emily on 2nd floor of Bedford UPMC for all your weekly help in making sure he was comfortable and received the care he needed, and the 3rd floor and ER nurses and doctors for your special care during his visits at the hospital, all were greatly appreciated. To the Bedford CART drivers and the Saxton CART dispatchers, thank you so much for providing transportation for so many years and your kindness to Richard. And a special thank you to Kaitlyn Grimes his special home nurse that went over and above to make him feel comfortable.
In lieu of flowers Richard’s wish is you donate to Love INC and their van ministry - it is a blessing to a lot of local families as it was for him.
Also, if you donate blood or platelets in the future, please donate in Richard’s memory - as he received them twice weekly or more.
Due to Covid-19 there will be NO VISITATION or FUNERAL at this time. A private memorial service with burial at the Bethel Cemetery be held by Dona and the family at a later date.
Arrangements by Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com
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