Richard (Dick) E. Sidle, 81, of Jonestown, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Debra J. Keath Sidle. On Aug. 3, they celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary.
Born in Bowmansdale on March 4, 1942, he was the son of the late John T. and Clara E. Williams Sidle.
He was a graduate of the Lebanon High School Class of 1960. Following high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country from 1960-1964 during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Marines, he began working at Lebanon Valley Offset and later founded his first motorcycle dealership, the Bul-Pen, where his passion for motorcycles and entrepreneurship began.
In 1977, Dick helped build one of the premier motocross tracks in the northeast, Sleepy Hollow Motocross Park, located in Fredericksburg. He sponsored and helped countless local riders who competed in the sport. To many, he was considered a motocross legend and still is to this day.
Building on his love of motorcycles, in 1978, he founded and was the owner of Lebanon Valley Honda in Jonestown (later known as Lebanon Valley Cycles) until his well-deserved retirement in 2019. During this time, he helped many motorcycle enthusiasts follow their dreams while passionately serving his community. He was a member of the PA Motorcycle Dealers Association and the AMA District 6 and a life member of the AMA and the NRA. In 2021, he was inducted into the District 6 Motocross Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, he loved to travel the country on his motorcycle, as well as going to motocross races, where he created lifelong memories with his family and friends. Dick meant so much to so many, which earned him the nickname “Sweetness.” He had a larger-than-life personality and was always willing to give the shirt off his back to help others. He lived life to the absolute fullest.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Kyle, Nikki, Rachel, PJ, and Jenny, Kim, Rick, and Deb, and their significant others; his grandchildren; and his brother, Raymond Sidle; all of whom he loved dearly with all his heart; and his best buddy and golden retriever, Zeke.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Sidle. Dick is adored and lovingly remembered.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family, and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
