Richard Donald Dishong Sr. "Dick"

Richard Donald Dishong Sr., 89, of Saint Augustine, Florida, passed away at home at the Benton House of St. Johns on November 6, 2023. He was born on May 2, 1934 in Everett, Pennsylvania. Richard was known by many as “Dick”. Dick married the love of his life Margaret Joan (Avey) Dishong on June 11, 1955 in Cumberland, Maryland. They were childhood sweethearts.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joann and two sons, Rick and wife Ann, and Mike and wife Peggy. He has five grandsons, Joshua, Joseph and Christopher (Rick) and Benjamin and Daniel (Mike). In addition he has three great grandsons, Carson and Hudson (Daniel) and Brooks (Benjamin).

Dick attended grade school in Everett Pennsylvania and graduated from Everett High School in 1953. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, a source of great pride in the Dishong family. After discharge from the Air Force Dick began a long career as a Corrosion Control Specialist with the Fairfax County Water Authority in Northern Virginia. Upon his retirement, Dick and Joann moved to Breezewood, Pennsylvania to be close to family and their childhood homes.

Dick began learning to play many musical instruments as a young child and his love for music continued throughout his life. In the early 80’s Dick started “Country Tradition” a country music band in Northern Virginia. He continued Country Tradition, with some new faces when he returned to Breezewood after retirement. His enjoyment playing the guitar and fiddle with the band at fire companies and fairs throughout central Pennsylvania was a highlight of his retirement. Due to family obligations Dick stopped performing with the band in 2021.

Dick always had a twinkle in his eye and a beautiful smile. He loved to share stories with friends he met and kept throughout his life. He enjoyed family camping trips, hunting with friends and fishing. Coaching his boys in Little League baseball and football was a source of great enjoyment and pride. He and Joann were the boys’ biggest supporters and fans. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.

In early 2023 Dick and Joann moved to Saint Augustine, Florida to be near Mike and Peggy. As Florida residents Dick spent time on the screen porch enjoying warm costal weather and reminiscing the old days with Joann and making new friends.

The Dishong family would like to extend a special thank you to the Benton House Family for the love and caring support they’ve provided since Dick and Joann moved to Saint Augustine.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday November 14, 2023, 2:00 pm, at the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida where he will be laid to rest with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

www.Stjude.org (online donations)

800-805-5856 (by phone)

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (by mail)