Rev. Richard John Mauthe
June 20, 1948 – May 14, 2026
Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 77.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Richard was raised in Cranford and graduated from Cranford High School and Muhlenberg College, where he studied German Language and Literature. He later earned a Master’s degree from Lehigh University and taught German in the Allentown School District for 12 years.
In 1982, Richard answered a call to ministry and entered seminary in Philadelphia. Ordained in 1986, he faithfully served Lutheran congregations in Pennsylvania for more than two decades, including Old Goshenhoppen Lutheran Union Church, Advent Lutheran Church, and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Bethlehem until his retirement in 2010. He continued teaching and interim ministry work throughout retirement.
Richard loved running, genealogy, gardening, birding, model railroads, and antique cars. In 2024, he published The Prodigal Son’s Prodigal Father, reflecting his deep faith and love of scripture.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Edith; his daughters, Alyssa Gateman (Eric) and Sarah Mauthe (Gary Plessl); his sister, Barbara Conrad; his grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and his cherished dogs Riley, Freddie, and Jack.
Richard will be remembered for his unwavering faith, gentle wisdom, kindness, humor, and deep love for family and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through ministry, teaching, and friendship.
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