Richard H. "Dick" Confair

WILLIAMSPORT - Richard H. (Dick) Confair, 84, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, July 22, 2016.  Born on August 18, 1931 in Berwick, PA, Dick was the son of former state senator Zehnder H. Confair and his wife Arlyne (Hoyt) Confair.  He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1949 and Dartmouth College in 1953.  He was married to Diane (Miller) Confair for 61 years.

After college, Dick attended Army Language School in Monterey, CA before moving with Diane to Stuttgart, Germany where he served in the Counter Intelligence Corp of the U.S. Army.  Upon returning to the states, he joined the family soft drink business in Elmira, NY, where he and Diane lived for 11 years.  He moved to the business’ main location in Williamsport in 1969 eventually assuming the position of president of Confair Bottling Company and Cenpro. After 32 years, Dick sold the businesses to Pepsi Bottling Works.  His business interests expanded to include real estate, automobile, and construction companies.

In addition to his business pursuits, Dick enjoyed serving on the boards of Northern Central Bank (chairman), Williamsport Hospital, Williamsport Foundation, YMCA Williamsport, Friends of the Library, Lycoming County United Way, Rotary Club, West Branch Manufacturers Association (executive committee), Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce (executive committee) and Hope Enterprises.  He also served on the Board of Trustees of Covenant Central Presbyterian Church (chairman), Lycoming County Republican Committee (finance chairman), and Lycoming College.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children R. Craig (Jill) of Williamsport, Steve (Rita) of Williamsport, Becky Kingston (Andy) of Shelburne, VT, Megan Milton of Hingham, MA and Dave (Brette) of Williamsport.  He took great pride in his 14 grandchildren Ryan and Danielle Confair; Jason, Benjamin and Michael Confair; Hayley, Trevor, and Emily Kingston; Sarah, Caroline, and Katherine Milton; and Maddy, Dylan, and J.R. Confair.

Whether skydiving on his 80th birthday, riding roller coasters on his yearly trip to Knoebels with his family, or attending his grandchildren’s events, Dick loved life. He found people fascinating and would often be found straggling behind the group as he stopped to talk to people he met along the way.  He enjoyed many years of traveling all over the world with Hong Kong, Istanbul, and the Cotswolds being among his favorite places.  Dick loved animals, especially dogs and horses. Many remember the time he took his horse up to the second floor of his childhood home. He was easily amused and thought he told good jokes, but when no one laughed he laughed at himself which made it funny to all around him.  His spirit, kindness, and optimism will be greatly missed.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Williamsport Symphony Orchestra (http://www.williamsportsymphony.org), Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship (539 U.S. Route 15 Highway, P.O. Box 3485, Williamsport, PA  17701-0485, Attn:  Carl Stotz Scholarship) or a charity of your choice.

The memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church, 807 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements are being handled by the Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, 500 West 4th St., Williamsport. 

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