Richard A. Nice

Obituary Richard A. Nice 86, of Quakertown died October 13, 2021 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. Born in Sellersville, PA he was the son of the late Roland & Beatrice (Diehl) Nice. Please read the following excerpt from Richards Pastor The Reverend Dorothy Shelly: When prompting Richard Nice to share memories of his life and music, words come easy. Piano lessons began at age ten with Howard Shive of First Reformed Church of Quakertown. An interest in studying and pursuing the organ began at age fifteen. He took lessons for five years with Guisippi Moschetti, known as the "Maestro," composer and choral director at St Johns Lutheran Church, Allentown. In September of 1954 Richard enlisted in the United States Army and trained to be a chaplain assistant supporting the unit ministry programs and worship services. The following year he was stationed in Daegu, South Korea, located 400 miles south of the DMZ. Today it is the fourth largest city in the country. During this time he had access to both piano and organ. Beyond his regular duties, he directed a Korean choir of young people. As well, he has fond memories of working with Presbyterian Missionaries. Upon returning to the States from Korea, Richard served the remainder of his Army career of sixteen months at Fort Sam Houston Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. It was a privilege for him throughout that time at Fort Sam to sing with the San Antonio Symphony. In the fall of 1957 Richard enthusiastically entered Westminster Choir College, a residential conservatory of music in Princeton, New Jersey. He graduated in 1961. Along with his studies, he experienced much in voice and music. Richard enjoyed being a part of a forty-member touring choir for three years. He readily shares, "Our choir went to thirty-five different states." He also had the opportunity to sing at New York Lincoln Center Philharmonic Hall with one hundred eighty voices conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Richard also fondly recalls his student internship as organist and choir director at Centenary United Methodist Church, Hillside Avenue, in Metuchen, New Jersey, southwest of Newark. He would take the train from Princeton Junction Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. His summers were spent as a counselor at a YMCA camp in the Catskills. For a year and a half studies also took him to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for private organ lessons. Richard was organist and director of music at Wicomico Presbyterian Church on Broad Street in Salisbury, Maryland for twenty-one years. This was a multi-staff congregation with a large choir. In 1982 Richard returned home to Quakertown. He says, "A blessed turning-point in my life was the moment I received the call to come to Solomons in Bedminster. I started as organist and choir director on July 17, 1983. This July it will be thirty-five years!" He succeeded Patricia Hollenbach who served Solomons in that capacity since 1970. Needless to say, Solomons continues to be blessed by Richards musical gifts and talents. Richard has a community-giving spirit as he continues to play for the residents at Phoebe Richland and sing for Larry Benners seasonal choir concerts at St. Johns UCC Richlandtown. Like most of us, Richard has experienced lifes adversities, both large and small, but for him it has always been music that nourished and sustained him. "The King and I" a favorite of Richards, and "Moon River" Along with many old hymns. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 in Solomons U.C.C. 2990 Bedminster Rd. Perkasie, PA 18944. THERE WILL BE NO CALLING HOURS. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. The wearing of masks and social distancing is strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Solomons U.C.C. 2990 Bedminster Rd. Perkasie, Pa 18944. Services Memorial Service Saturday October 30, 2021 11:00 AM C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. 821 West Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951