Richard F. Kline

Richard “Rich” F. Kline, 62, beloved husband to Joyce Kline, passed away in their home on September 1, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by family following complications from a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. 

Born on June 19, 1963, in Wilmington, Delaware, Rich is survived by his parents, Larry and Marie Kline; his soulmate and devoted wife of 33 years, Joyce Kline; brothers, Bryan (Melissa) Kline and Mark Kline; brother-in-law Glenn Ricci; daughters, Stephanie (Steve) Werner, Jaclyn (Bill) Horn, and Laura (Brian) Harvey. He was preceded in death by daughter, Penny Healy. Rich also leaves behind grandchildren, Averi (Jason) Zimmerman, Kristen (Jonathan) Peterson, William Horn III, Kaylee Horn, Mia Horn, Avianna Harvey, Ariyah Harvey and great-granddaughter Stephanie Peterson. Nephews and nieces, Alison (Nick) Mammarelli, Owen Kline, Chris Kehler, Michael Kehler, Jennifer (Tyler) Benton; great nieces Scarlette and Lydia Benton, Uncle Robert J. Kline, Aunts Joanne O'Kelley Kline, Joyce A. (Michael) Woods, Linda (Larry) Leisey as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Rich graduated from Coatesville Area Senior High School in 1981. He attended Lincoln Technical University, where he obtained an associate degree in Drafting, and continued his education at Penn State for proprietary training. He started his survey career at Beideman and Associates in Chester Springs. There Rich attained his Professional Land Surveyor license before moving on to Edward B. Walsh and Associates, Inc in Exton PA going on to be one of the finest surveyors in the region, passing the Professional Land Surveyors exam with only a 15% pass rate. At EB Walsh Rich became close friends with Denny Howell and little did they both know they would someday be more than friends and become business partners.  In 2000 Rich departed EB Walsh to start his own firm RF Kline and Associates, Inc. where he and Joyce provided Land Surveying services for many throughout the County. Then, early in 2006 RF Kline and Associates, Inc merged with DL Howell Surveying, LLC to become Howell Kline Surveying.  There Rich and Denny would work together for the next 13 years. Through Rich and his professional excellence and leadership Howell Kline Surveying became one of the largest land surveying firms in PA and by the time Rich retired in January of 2019 he had touched the lives of thousands of people. Whether Rich was surveying your house for a new addition, working on a 100-acre boundary or training a new hire, he found a way to touch the heart of everyone he encountered.  

A lifelong scout, Rich earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1981, dedicating more than 50 years to the Boy Scouts of America. As Scout Master for Chester County Troop 116, he mentored hundreds if not thousands of young people, teaching them not only life skills but also the values of leadership, service, and integrity. Having completed five Philmont Scout Ranch treks in New Mexico, his dedication never faltered. His impact on the lives he touched will endure and continue to be passed on for generations.

Rich’s dedication to the service of others was the core of who he was. A patient man, humble, quiet and caring, stubborn, better yet determined. He brought good to a world where there just isn’t enough. Rich fiercely loved his family, and his grandchildren brought so much joy to his life. Rich touched the lives of more people than he will ever know, changing them for the better and following through on promises, every time. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on through the good things he instilled in all of us.

Rich was a man of service at his core—patient, humble, caring, and determined. He gave generously of his time and skills, serving as Head Trustee of Hibernia United Methodist Church, volunteering with UMCOR disaster relief teams in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and supporting numerous community causes. Through the Masonic Lodge, as Lodge Master in 1999 of Brandywine Goddard Lodge #383 F & AM, he helped raise funds for scholarships and local outreach programs, including support for the Trinity Church’s after-school program, the Bridge of Hope program in Coatesville, and the Zach Thompson Foundation.

Above all, Rich was a man of deep faith whose life reflected his belief in service, kindness and love. He walked humbly with God, devoted to his family and community. His legacy of honesty, integrity, generosity and guidance will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Hibernia United Methodist Church, 220 Hibernia Road, Coatesville where relatives and friends may visit with the family from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Interment will be in Hibernia Cemetery, Coatesville.

Lunch will be served at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make any donations in Rich’s memory to:

Boy Scout Troop #116 General Fund (to assist in getting the scouts to Camp Horseshoe), c/o Hibernia United Methodist Church, 220 Hibernia Road, Coatesville, PA   19320

The Hibernia United Methodist Church memorial fund in memory of Richard F. Kline, 220 Hibernia Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 or

The Abramson Cancer Center at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, https://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/fund-for-abramson-cancer-center/donate

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