The Rev. Dr. Richard R. (Dick) Streeter

On January 25, 2024, a legend was born. The Reverend Doctor Richard R. (Dick) Streeter, Servant of God, Beloved Pastor, Minister to All, passed peacefully in the arms of his beautiful wife Patricia surrounded by loving family.

His biggest pride - his family - carries on his legacy with honor: Sweetheart of over 65 years, Patricia Ann Streeter (Barr), Sons and Daughters-in-Law; Mark A. Streeter (Robin), Timothy J. Streeter (Kelley), Stephen P. Streeter (Rosemary), Daughters and Sons-inLaw; Deborah RS Davitt (Andrew), Sarah E. Black (Robert). Fourteen Grandchildren he loves MORE: Lucius ‘Luke’ R. Streeter, II, Josh M. Streeter (Miranda), Kylie (Streeter) Gialloreto (Mike), Emma G. Streeter (soon to be Nadeau (Mike), Lilly E. Streeter, Alyson L. Streeter, Reilly M. Streeter, Hayley M. Boettcher, William A. Black, Claudia N. Boettcher, Eva P. Black, Hayden L. Streeter, Timothy R. Black, Kyle A. Boettcher.

Two of the cutest Great Grandsons: Nathan M. Streeter (3 yrs.) and Declan J. Streeter (1 yr.)

And many fiercely loved nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws residing in the US and throughout the world.

Truly, he was immediately ushered into Paradise by his doting Irish Clan, especially his Mother and Father: Lucius R. Streeter and Jessie Carmel McDowell Streeter, his two beautiful sisters; Annette Emerson (Skip) and Margaret Evans (Jack) along with his Massie and Dassie and so many treasured family members and friends. The tea, bikkies, hugs and laughs are flowing.

Dick grew up with his single Mom (Dad Lucius, a WWI Hero and member of the famed Lost Battalion, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1938) and two older sisters Margaret and Annette. They lived on the South Side of Syracuse, NY on the same street with their large, extended Belfast, Ireland family. Here love, loyalty, hard work, resilience and faith had the run of the block. In Dick’s published book “The Only Thing We Have is Our Name – Mom”, he details stories of growing up which turn to be life lessons for all.

He graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy where he played Ice Hockey, Football and Baseball. “Dickie” was known for his “smile he had for all”. He began work at 11 years old washing dishes in his Uncle’s restaurant – The Brae Loch Inn - and running a city paper route. During high school, he learned the mason trade through his mentor George Kurak. He became a licensed mason and honed these skills throughout his lifetime. He gave all his earnings to his Mom to help with family expenses.

His drive and work ethic earned him an undergraduate degree from Colgate University, Masters Degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, New York University and Boston University School of Theology and a Doctorate Degree from Eastern Theological Seminary, now Palmer Theological Seminary.

Interwoven through these advancing degrees, are the People and Parishes he, along with his family, served.

In the late 1950s, Dick and Pat journeyed to Arkansas; Atkins and Yellville. First serving as a Missionary for the First Presbyterian Church Atkins ministering to rural Ozarks. Then on to new church development as the inaugural Pastor for the First Presbyterian Church Yellville, growing the church to prominence and still thriving today. Always protecting his flock, Dick sprang into action when he heard of an illegal drug operation flying drugs in an out of a small airport in Flippen, AR. Together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Robert Kennedy) and the FBI, the drug ring was dismantled. During this time, Arkansas was burning as a hot bed of civil rights violations and violence. Dick tirelessly fought for equal rights and desegregation. Despite threats of violence on his life, he rallied surrounding clergy to fight the injustice and was present for the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. He stood with and marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. and continued carry on King’s mission throughout his lifetime.

In the early to mid-1960s, Dick answered a calling to Andover, MA taking on the role of Youth Pastor for South Church of Andover under the leadership of Rev. Frederick Noss. Along with pastoring and mentoring the youth, he was asked to preach from time to time. One Sermon led to preaching almost every Sunday. The congregation grew. Upon Reverend Noss’ retirement, the church offered Dick the job of Head Pastor. Although an honor, his heart was true to the Presbyterian Church. He accepted a position in Rahway, NJ.

Mid 1960’s to early 1970’s, he served the Second Presbyterian Church of Rahway, NJ. He exponentially grew the church through his community outreach and leadership. He set up the church to serve as a safe haven for families impacted by the Civil Rights crises. Because of Dick’s impact in community, the NJ State Police called upon him to help quell the 1971 Rahway State Prison Thanksgiving Day riot. Prisoner grievances were heard, hostages were released and reforms made. He established Food Banks, Toy Drives and youth mentoring. Despite death threats on his own life, Dick continued to drive home God’s call for ALL to come together as one in spite of differences. He fought the fight and moved mountains in Rahway until 1972.

Dick and family came to Paoli, PA in 1972. He proudly served Paoli Presbyterian Church (PPC) from 1972 to 2003 and is currently Pastor Emeritus. His community outreach, passion for ministering to those both within and outside of the church along with his great love for each of his congregants, grew the church leading to building expansion and a new sanctuary. One of his proudest accomplishments was growing the Mission Program (local and abroad) to 50% of the entire PPC budget. He fostered a mission-oriented church monumentally serving those in need. When Dick heard that PPC’s original church building, located in the center of Paoli, was to be torn down, he launched a campaign to save the church to preserve PPC’s important history. Dick garnered the funds to uproot the little church and along with some members of PPC, the community and the Historical Society, gingerly transported the gem to PPC property where it now rests for generations to enjoy.

He loved his ministry at PPC and in the Paoli community. He cherished all his ministries, people he served and his esteemed colleagues. He loved hugging all children (from age -1 to 100+), joking while on and off the pulpit and will forever be proud of the many accomplishments achieved together as a church family and in the community.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Upper Main Line YMCA, Paoli Fire Company, Tredyffrin Easttown School District School Board (elected President) and was a member of the Paoli Business Association (voted Citizen of the Year).

Dick’s life call and genius was to awaken hope, to live a life of service and to encourage all to live a life of love, respect and compassion for all people. This, and more, he accomplished with fervor. A Life Well Lived.

Should you wish to donate in Dick’s honor, contributions may be sent to the Mission Program at Paoli Presbyterian Church. Checks can be made payable to Paoli Presbyterian Church with “Streeter” in the memo line or you may go to WWW. PAOLIPRES.ORG and click on GIVE, ONLINE, choose STREETER MEMORIAL DONATION in the drop down.

Should you wish to honor Dick in your daily life, he would love to see you ‘love your neighbor as you love yourself ’ and to always know “You are Beautiful, God Loves You, And I Love You too.” And always recycle!

The family would like to extend an invitation to all those touched by Reverend Streeter to the Memorial Service on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 South Valley Rd., Paoli, PA 19301, 610-644-8250. Reception to follow at the church in the Forrester Lounge.

The Service will be Livestreamed. To view, please go to: HTTPS://VIMEO.COM/ EVENT/4060884