Richard Perschel

Richard Arthur "Dick" Perschel, Sr., age 92, of 4434 Ben Franklin Blvd., formerly of Sandlewood Dr., passed away Monday, August 12, 2013 at his home. A native of Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late Neil Leland and Geneva Valentine Perschel and husband of Elizabeth Espantoso Perschel, who survives. Dick was a member of Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church, Pres. of the Sylvan Bible Class, Charter member of the Mt. Sylvan Seniors and the Men's Prayer Breakfast. He was a 1945 graduate of the American Academy of Mortuary Science, was a licensed funeral director, employed by Marsellus Casket Co in Syracuse, NY for 30 years and was the retired Chairman of the Board of Mastercraft Casket Co. in Graham, NC. He was also President of the Tar Heel Boxer Club and Past President of the Durham Kennel Club. Dick was a proud U.S. Marine Corp Veteran of WWII and he traveled with "A Flight of Honor" to Washington, DC. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Espantoso Perschel of the home; sons, Richard A. Perschel, Jr. and Mark Kevin Perschel; grandchildren, Mark Perschel, Jr., Matthew Perschel and Erin Perschel. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Ann Perschel; sister, Grace Ann Perschel and brothers, Fred and John Perschel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church by Rev Stuart Milton and Rev. Robert O'Keef. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The Perschel family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 at Sylvan United Methodist Church, prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Sylvan U.M.C. Cemetery Fund; 5731 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC. 27712