Rev. Richard D. "Rich" Updegraff, 71, of Margate, FL joined the Lord on February 14, 2021. Born in North Braddock, PA to Robert and Ethel Updegraff, he was one of two sons.
Rich graduated with a Masters degree in Physical Education for the Handicapped before earning a Master of Divinity degree. A member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, he retired in 2012 after 40 years of service.
In his younger years, Rich was a very athletic man and loved many sports, especially skiing and basketball. It was often remarked that he had a unique sense of humor. After relocating to South Florida, Rich enjoyed the time he spent at his grandchildren's baseball games and with his local church family at Cokesbury United Methodist in Margate.
Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sharon; their children, Bonnie (Greg) Raley and Scott Updegraff; grandchildren, Maddox, Cade and Owen; and his brother, Tim (Phyllis) Updegraff. Also left to cherish his memory are many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 5 p.m. and livestreamed on the church's website cokesburymargate.org.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, July 24 at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, at 14679 Lincoln Highway, Irwin, PA 15642. It will be held in the chapel on the cemetery grounds.
Please share your memories of Rev. Updegraff or express condolences to his family at the Monarch Funeral home website.