Richard K. Bear, 80, of Allentown, died peacefully with family by his side on Jan. 23, 2021, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born Aug. 25, 1940, he was a son of the late Margaret and Kenneth Bear.

He graduated from Allentown High School in 1959 and worked as a design draftsman for numerous companies on the East Coast.

He was married 54 years to his devoted wife, Linda J. (Attrill) Bear, who cared for him lovingly and selflessly until the end.

He was the proud father of two children, Shonda Bear Moralis, wife of Erik M. Moralis, of Kutztown, and Brian R. Bear, husband of Teresa Brunstetter Bear, of Carlsbad, Calif.

He was a caring, loving, patient father and grandfather devoted to supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s educations and hobbies.

The grandfather of five - Jacob Bear, Anika Moralis, Lauren Bear, Jessica (Jojo) Bear and Ben Moralis, he loved watching them play sports and encouraged them to go after their dreams. His loving legacy lives on in them.

He loved to make people laugh, tell jokes and was always ready at a moment’s notice to lend a hand.

In addition to his family, his great love was cars, spending countless hours building, refurbishing and collecting them.

In his younger years, he competed nationally in the 1952 Soap Box Derby, raced drag cars and danced on American Bandstand.

He was predeceased by brothers Kenneth Jr. and Thomas Bear.

A celebration of his life will be held post-COVID-19.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, Suite 100, 2024 Lehigh St., Allentown, PA 18103.

Arrangements were made by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.