Richard D. Rife, 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Thursday November 7, 2013 at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg. Born on September 19, 1919 in Chambersburg, he was the son of the late Jacob E. and Florence A. (Dice) Rife. He attended Chambersburg High School and earned a B.S. degree from Shippensburg State Teachers College, now Shippensburg University. He taught for one year in Sporting Hill Elementary School in Hampden Township, then worked for the Glenn L. Martin Company in Baltimore. In 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps. After the war he began what was to become an impressive career with Capital Blue Cross. Throughout his life Richard served his community in many ways, He was a member of the Governor's Hospital Study Commission, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Comprehensive Health Planning, PA Voluntary Health Care Cost Containment, Governor's Task Force on Health Care Cost Containment, Tri-County United Way, National Home Caring Council, Business Council of PA Consensus Group, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Greater Harrisburg Area. He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years and of Masonic lodges in Chambersburg, Harrisburg, and Camp Hill. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Shippensburg University Foundation and served on its Board of Directors for 29 years, overseeing three major comprehensive campaigns. In 2006 he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service for his achievements as a business leader, humanitarian, and civic leader, and for his commitment to education. He was predeceased by his wife Lois T. (Conkling) Rife and a daughter, N. Hollis Rife of Lemoyne. He is survived by his long-time friend and companion, Elsie Swenson of Mechanicsburg, a nephew, Harold E. Rife of Chambersburg, and three grand nieces. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.