Timothy Rier, Sr.

Obituary For Timothy Rier, Sr.

Timothy Michael Rier, Sr., 58, was born in Philadelphia, PA.

Timmy’s parents, the late Sara and the late Leonard Rier Sr. lovingly welcomed him into their home in 1974 at the tender age of 6. From that moment on, Timothy was surrounded by the love and affection of his grandmother, the late Luella, his sister, Vannell, his brothers Leonard Jr. and Brian, and his niece Ursula. He was adored and cherished beyond measure, especially by his grandmom who lovingly prepared all his favorite southern dishes. Timothy had a joyous childhood filled with cousins, classmates and neighborhood friends. He was taught to put God first, work hard, love his family, be a good neighbor and to always live by the golden rule. He was taught to be a gentleman, and so he was. carrying the principles and love of his parents in all he did, remembering, he was a reflection of them.

Timothy graduated from Central Dauphin East H.S. in 1986. After high school, he went to work for the Camp Hill Tax Collection Agency. Having a sense of duty and purpose, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard, where he received an honorable discharge after 15 years of dedicated service.

Timothy was employed by Arconic Steel Manufacturer, Lancaster, PA. In his 29 years of employment with Arconic, he performed many jobs, starting as a laborer and through perseverance and dedication becoming a supervisor.

He was a hard worker with morals and ethics that were un-shakable; he talked the talk and walked the walk. If he was not spending time with his family and friends participating in his favorite past-times which included cooking, playing board games, bowling, cards, darts, eating Middleswarth chips and watching his beloved Eagles play football, Timothy was at WORK, no question about it!

Being the charismatic person, he was, Tim made friends easily, drawing you in with his big smile and dropping the corniest jokes you ever heard every time he saw you, over and over again. You couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognizing him from church, school, work or the neighborhood. He was extremely loved and respected.

In 1994, Timothy married Lesley Palmer of York, PA and from this union came three sons, Cory, Timmy Jr. and Josh. Later, they also welcomed two fur babies, Sadie and Deuce into their home. A devoted husband and father, he supported his family in every way imaginable, raising his boys with the values instilled in him by his father Leonard Sr. Timothy was overjoyed at the thought of being blessed with three granddaughters. Nothing brought him more happiness and joy than shopping for and being surrounded by, Nyla, Elaina & Raegan. They loved climbing all over him and receiving all the love and affection, he had to give. No conversation was had, unless he was beaming about his granddaughters. The Eagles winning the Superbowl may have been a close second.

In addition to his parents and grandmother, he was preceded in death by his paternal birth father, Kensie Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memories, his three sons, Cory Maxson, Timothy M. Rier, Jr., and Joshua Rier, all of York, Pennsylvania; three granddaughters, Nylah Rier, Elaina Baral and Raegan Rier; his sisters, Vannell Culpepper of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Cheri Johnston of Bowie, Maryland; his two brothers, Leonard C. Rier, Jr. (Lanie), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Brian S. Rier (Laurie), Duncannon, Pennsylvania and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family biological and adopted, as well as lifelong friends.

Timothy will be remembered with love and missed beyond measure. His legacy of hard work, dedication and love for family will live on in our hearts. Though he is gone, the memories he created and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. Fly Tim Fly!

His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in the Sanctuary of the United Baptist Church, 1401 Walnut Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

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