Rev. Darryl E. Dech

The Rev. Dr. Darryl E. Dech passed away on March 11, 2025, at Laureldale Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his wife Robin (Fisher) Dech, sister Susan (Dech) Connor, wife of John Connor of Havertown, PA, and nephews, John Jacob Connor of Newtown Square, PA and Jared Connor of Havertown, PA.

A graduate of Northampton High School class of 1961, Rev. Dech earned degrees from Moravian College, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Drew University. Rev. Dech was ordained in 1968 by the Pennsylvania Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.

Rev. Dech served as Pastor of Salem UCC, Reamstown, St. John’s UCC, Lebanon, First UCC, Royersford, Maidencreek UCC and Blandon, a Shared Ministry congregation. He also served as Director of Ministries at St. John’s Center UCC in East Earl.

He was active as a musician and served as Director of Music at Nativity Lutheran Church, Reading, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus, Advent Lutheran Church, West Lawn, Swamp Lutheran Church, Reinholds, Bethany Lutheran Church, Stony Creek Mills and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Reading. Rev. Dech was a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of the Lutheran Church Musicians, the Organ Historical Society, and the Lancaster Guild of Sixteenth Century Recorders and Renaissance Instruments.

Rev. Dech was an accomplished musician, avid skier, tennis player and gardener. He served as a rehearsal accompanist for several professional Berks County singers, instrumentalists and soloists in local and state competitions.

A private burial will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery, Sinking Spring, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Reading Musical Foundation, PO Box 14835, Reading, PA 19612.