Dr. Richard Lowright, 71, of Shamokin Dam, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, after a long battle with emphysema and COPD.

Dr. Lowright was a 1962 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College and earned his Ph.D in geology at Penn State University. He joined the faculty of Susquehanna University in 1971 and taught geology and environmental science there until 1998 when he had to take medical leave.

Dr. Lowright was passionate about the subject of geology. He is fondly remembered by many of his former students who vividly recall going on field trips doing geology at 55 mph.

He is survived by his wife, the former Margaret Mary Brockbank; one brother, Jim Lowright, of Chicago; and four sisters-in-law, Eileen Brockbank, of New York, N.Y., Priscilla Griffin, of Latham, N.Y., Dr. Susan McCollough, of Kellyton, Ala., and Dana Lowright, of Chicago.

At Dr. Lowright’s request, there will be no formal funeral or viewing. Burial will be private. Funeral arrangements are by the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove.