It was a fitting tribute to one of the town’s most devoted advocates as hundreds of West Chester residents gathered at St. Agnes Church on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to their beloved former mayor, writes Candice Monhollan for Daily Local News.

Only standing room was left as grieving family, friends, and community members packed into the church for the Funeral Mass of Richard “Dick” Yoder to say their final farewells to the man whose effect on the borough is immeasurable.

As a former Marine, Yoder was given a 21-gun salute, along with the playing of taps, at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Even before his time as Mayor, Yoder left his mark on the township during his nearly four decade career at West Chester University. In addition to serving as a full-professor in the Department of Kinesiology, he dedicated his time to being a football coach, track coach, and athletic director.

Always looking to go the extra mile, he also helped to develop, teach and coordinate the WCU’s Sport and Athletic Administration graduate program.

“He was a football coach who prepared his players to succeed not only on game day, but long after they left the field,” stated U.S. Representative, Ryan Costello.

“And he was a public servant with a passion for solving problems and transforming West Chester into one of Chester County’s best places to live and work.”

Following his retirement from the university, Yoder dedicated his time to public service, getting elected Mayor of West Chester in 2002, a position he held for two terms, until 2010.

“He lived to make a difference,” said his daughter, Susan Schick. “Dad truly viewed his time as mayor as a way to serve the community that he loved so very much. It’s an understatement to say dad took that mayor assignment very seriously.”

Read more about the touching farewell at Daily Local News here.