The Rev. Dr. Richard E. “Rick” Denison Jr., age 65, of Mechanicsburg, passed away July 19, 2024. Born in Harrisburg, PA on March 10, 1959, he was the son of the late Peggy (Koskinas) and Richard E. Denison Sr.

Rick was a man of many uniforms: graduate of Lebanon Valley College and The University of Chicago Divinity School, pastor, veteran and military chaplain of more than 21 years, Christian radio host, Harley enthusiast, Legion Rider, lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagle Scout, husband, father, grandfather, and counselor to many.

Overall, he lived his life and died doing what he enjoyed the most.

Although retired from the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, his passion for serving as pastor of numerous congregations in the Midstate over almost 4 decades led to continued work as interim pastor at several area churches. With the 193rd Special Operations of the PA Air National Guard, the Lt. Col. chaplain saw multiple tours overseas including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He formerly served as statewide chaplain for the PA American Legion, and was about to begin his term as statewide chaplain of the VFW. Rick was also a member of the Sons of the Legion at his Legion home Post 594, the Disabled American Veterans, and F&AM Riverside Lodge No. 503. In his free time, he loved traveling on his motorcycles, recording his weekday radio program on WPFG Cumberland Valley Christian Radio where he was on the board, and answering the needs of community members who called on him. 

Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Jones Denison; his son, Benjamin C. Denison and wife Lucia Manzi; his daughter, Brooke F. Nutting and husband Cody; as well as three grandchildren; his sister, Carol Brame and husband Michael.

There will be a service honoring the life of Pastor Rick on Sunday, October 6th, 3:00 pm at Hope United Methodist Church, 6260 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. A time of gathering together will immediately follow.

Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Monday, October 7th. Those who wish to attend should please assemble at the cemetery’s Administration Building before 10:15 that morning and be ready to proceed to the site.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to PA American Legion’s Housing for Homeless Veterans. Housing for Homeless Veterans Corp., P.O. Box 2324, Harrisburg, PA 17105 Memo line: in memory of Rick Denison