Richard Lee “Dick” Lesher, 92, of Chambersburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in his home.
Born on October 28, 1933 in Fannett Township, PA, he was a son of the late Richard E. Lesher and Rosalie O. Meredith Lesher.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Dick served his country from 1954-1956.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science of Business Administration from Penn State. He also held a Doctorate from Indiana University School of Business in 1963.
He began his career as an Assistant Professor of Finance at Ohio State University. Later he served in top management as an assistant administrator of technology utilization to James Webb of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Apollo moon project.
From 1975 to 1997, he served as President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He authored three books and more than 1,000 newspaper articles over the years. He appeared on the weekly televised debate program “It’s Your Business” for more than 18 years.
Dick served on five corporate boards during his career, as well as numerous non-profit boards and continued serving until his passing.
Some of his favorite times were those spent on the golf course and tennis courts. He also enjoyed hunting and stayed committed to his physical fitness.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Agnes M. Plocki Lesher, whom he married on June 13, 1981; three children, Douglas Lesher (wife, Laurie) of Sandy, UT, Betsy Kerr (husband, David) of Foley, AL, and Craig Lesher (wife, Yuko) of Kihei, HI; one sister, Billie Delano of Leland, NC; 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurie Lynn Snyder, a sister, Doreen Moul, and a brother, Nick Lesher.
A memorial service to honor Dick’s life will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. in Corpus Christi Catholic Church 320 Philadelphia Avenue Chambersburg, with Rev. Fr. Allan Wolfe, Deacon Richard Ramsey, and Rev. Ronald Cook officiating.
A private interment will be held in Lincoln Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter 5051 Letterkenny Rd West, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg.
Online condolences may be offered on his page at the funeral home’s website.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard “Dick” Lesher, please visit the flower store.
