Richard Gindhart, 73, of Boyers passed away Saturday at VNA Inpatient Hospice House in Butler.

Rich was born June 7, 1942, in Philadelphia to Jesse F. Gindhart and Isabella Wisley Gindhart. He attended public high school in Philadelphia until he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Rich was stationed in Germany in the 3rd Infantry Artillery.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he started his over 20-year police career with the Philadelphia Police Department along with his older brother, Jesse, and his lifelong friend, Lou. He took great pride working alongside his fellow police officers, not only with his older brother, Jesse, and Lou, but his friend Randy Miller.

He was a well-known and decorated officer on the force. After retirement from the force he was employed at Federal Reserve Bank in protection and security. He often worked as a bodyguard and worked with that company. He finished his working career with OPM in Boyers.

Richard married his wife, Joan Tethers, on May 25, 1968, and she survives.

Rich enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandkids, Gracie and Little Kurt. He was a member of the Fraternally Order of Police Lodge 5 in Philadelphia. Rich enjoyed spending time outside, especially making sure the deer and birds didn't go hungry.

Richard is survived by his wife, Joan Gindhart of Boyers; his son, Kurt Gindhart, who also followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a police officer, and his wife, Amanda, of Boyers; two grandchildren, Grace and Kurt Gindhart of Boyers; two sisters, Annamay Antes and her husband, Chip, of West Grove Pa., and Gloria Whalen and her husband, Frank, of Summerpoint, N.J.; and his lifelong friend, Randy Miller of Grove City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Grace Gindhart and Isabell Shobert; his brothers, Jesse F. and Raymond Gindhart; and his best friend who he considered his brother, Lou Middleton.

GINDHART — The family of Richard Gindhart, who passed away Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. with a funeral service following at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton St., Clintonville.The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to either the Venango County Humane Society, to the Butler County Humane Society or to the VNA Hospice in Butler County.Friends can e-mail condolences at www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net.