'Dick was a pillar of this community:' Lebanon City Council honors former chairman
Lebanon City Council passed a resolution Monday "recording the deep sense of loss of Richard A. Bleistine Sr., former city council member." The resolution stated that "during his tenure on council, Mr. Bleistine proved to be a capable and hardworking official and we are grateful for his dedication and timeless efforts to the betterment of the City of Lebanon."
Bleistine, who died on Feb. 22, 2022, at the age of 88, filled his life with service to the city and the county. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Liberty Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company for 65 years, a life member and treasurer of the Lebanon County Firefighters Association, and he was named the Pennsylvania Firefighter of the Year in 2014.
"Dick was a pillar of this community. He lived a life we should all inspire to," said City Fire Commissioner Duane Trautman, who knew Bleistine for 31 years.
The resolution noted that he "was instrumental in bringing many projects to fruition to provide top notch fire services to the citizens of Lebanon City."
Bleistine served in the U. S. Navy and spent 45 years as a member of the honor guard of VFW Post 23, participating in more than 12,000 military funerals. He was a lifetime member of the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council and the Navy Club Ship 91 of Lebanon. Bleistine was also a past president of the Lebanon Veteran Memorial Council, an organization that organized Memorial Day parades and Veterans Day services.
Mayor Sherry Capello said she was impressed and inspired when she heard him give the speech of the Unknown American Soldier completely from memory.
Bleistine served as chairman of city council and as the Director of Streets and Public Improvements, and was employed for nearly a half century by Harpel's Inc., the former office and photographic supplies business located in the Lebanon business district.
"I looked to him for guidance," Council vice-chairman Richard Wertz said. "His legacy will live on. He touched many lives. He walked proudly in his uniform in many Memorial Day parades. I was so happy that his family came here tonight so that we could thank them for his service to our community."
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Special copies of the resolution were presented to members of the Bleistine family.
Also at the meeting, the council gave approval to the administration submitting a request to the Lebanon County Commissioners for $25,477 in financial aid to be used for the paving of Walton Street from Lincoln Avenue to Seventh Street. Capello said the city also plans to continue the paving project on Lehman Street, using other funds and she hopes to repave Lehman from Seventh Street to Lincoln Avenue.
The mayor informed council of the appointment of Jessica Caruso, the city's recycling coordinator, to the board of the Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority. The city's Director of Public Works, Robin Getz, will serve as the alternate representative.
Janelle Mendoff, Community and Economic Development Administrator, encouraged city residents to participate in the United Way's Day of Caring on April 23, to help with a project in the city or elsewhere in the county. Volunteers who sign up by April 1 on the United Way website will receive a free Day of Caring T-shirt.
Mendoff also noted that the spring curbside yard waste collection will occur during the week of April 4.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon City Council honors former chairman, Richard A. Bleistine Sr.
