Richard P. Jost

Richard P. Jost, 86, of Benton, passed away February 18 at home, with his wife at his side.  Richard lived a colorful life. As the son of a career Army officer, and later serving in the Army himself as a medic during the Korean Conflict, he lived in several foreign countries and American states, his adventures producing stories he loved to share with friends and family.

Richard loved all things Nature, and was a self-taught horticulturist, specializing in orchids and exotic plants. For 26 years, he and his wife Jan owned and ran Jungle Paradise Exotic Plants. He is perhaps best known locally for the Bloomsburg Fair exhibits of orchids and large exotic plants he displayed during the first decade of this century, as well as the jungle displays at the front of the Horticulture Building.

In addition to Jan, his wife of almost 40 years, Richard is survived by a daughter, Joy Pilla (Roy) of Ocala, Florida; a son, Erik (Krystal) of Thousand Oaks, California; and five grandchildren:  Anthony Pilla of Denver, Colorado; and Ellia, Heather, Noah and Luke Jost of Thousand Oaks. A sister, Jocelyn Shelton (Bob) of Maryville, Tennessee and a brother, Jon, Port Angeles, Washington, also survive.

Jan would like to recognize and thank the Geisinger Hospice Bloomsburg team for their dedicated support, both physical and emotional. You know how you are and you are beyond awesome.

A service with military honors will be held at a later date for members of the family. Condolences may be sent to Jan Jost, 68 Kings Road, Benton PA 17814.

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