Military And VeteransGun Culture And Society
Obituary: Richard Frank Stahl
Obituary: Richard Frank Stahl
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Richard Frank Stahl, 87, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his wife and two children. He was a kind, humorous, and devoted man who will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, strong faith, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Richard was the only child of Ethel May (Drake) Stahl and Frank Adam Stahl. He attended Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City and later earned an associate degree in accounting from St. Peter’s College.
In fulfillment of the 1960 U.S. military draft requirement, Richard joined the Army National Guard, where he served as a combat medic at Fort Dix, NJ, and achieved marksman status during firearms training. This aspect of his life highlights the intertwining of individual sacrifice and the martial spirit prevalent in American culture, especially during turbulent times.
After his service, Richard met the love of his life, Marilyn Rose Krankowski, at a local roller rink—an encounter he fondly described as love at first sight. He once told friends he would marry her one day, and on July 15, 1961, he did just that. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, built a loving family with two children, and were blessed with two cherished grandchildren.
Richard enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a cost accountant with Westinghouse Elevator Company, where he worked faithfully for 40 years and was admired by his colleagues. After retiring in 1996, he continued working part-time for 17 years with Musselman Greenhouses Nursery in Cashtown, Pennsylvania, delivering plants and flowers with his trademark cheer and friendliness.
In addition to his professional achievements, Richard and Marilyn shared a love of dancing and were active members of the White Rose Dancing Association in York, Pennsylvania, where they delighted in performing polkas and other dances. He was also fond of the ocean and treasured annual family vacations along the East Coast, especially at a favorite timeshare in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Lehigh, Florida.
Known for his wit and good-natured humor, Richard could brighten any room with a joke—whether among family, friends, colleagues, or even hospital staff during medical visits. His laughter and lightheartedness were constant sources of comfort and joy to those who knew him.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (Krankowski) Stahl, his son Richard W. Stahl of Point of Rocks, Maryland, his daughter Genine (Stahl) Lundquist, and her husband Richard Lundquist of Centreville, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan Lundquist and Kristen Lundquist, his sister-in-law Diane (Krankowski) Romanelli of Whiting, New Jersey, and by nieces Michelle (Romanelli) Kohan, Suzanne (Romanelli) Brenan, Stephanie (Romanelli) Fumo & their families, and the late Nicole Romanelli and nephew Michael Romanelli.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Francis Xavier Church in memory of Richard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 25 W. High Street, Gettysburg, PA, with Fr. Michael Pray, Celebrant. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Richard's life story reflects a deep connection to family and community, underlining the importance of support systems in navigating the challenges of life. As evident in his transition from military service to civilian life, individuals who carry values of dedication and humor have a lasting impact. Early reports suggest a growing appreciation among families for memorializing their loved ones in ways that reflect their unique stories and contributions to society. Richard’s legacy is a reminder that behind every life is a tapestry of experiences that enrich our collective narrative, a point that resonates within the broader context of our gun culture and society.