Richard Francis Deegan

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Richard Francis Deegan on September 10, 2024, at the age of 86, one week shy of his 87th birthday. He died peacefully at home, with his wife of nearly 60 years by his side.

Born September 18, 1937, to Eleanor and Christopher Deegan in Waterford, Ireland. Dick set sail at 18, bound for America aboard the RMS Franconia, Cunard Line, out of Cobh, Ireland. He came with big dreams, a deep appreciation for his Irish heritage, and if he is to be believed, just forty dollars in his pocket. He enlisted and served his new country in the US Air Force. In 1965, he married Doris Ann Polito, in Troy, New York. Four children arrived in rapid succession: Colleen, Christopher (Carla), and twins, Kathleen, and John (Adriana). He spent 30 years building a successful business and retired early to reap the fruits of his labor.

Dick was a passionate, generous man with many talents. He professed to speak Gaelic fluently, at least enough to teach his children a few off-color phrases. He was well-read and often charmed his companions with his eloquence and witty aphorisms: “Burn everything British but their coal” was a favorite stolen from Jonathan Swift. He loved to quote from poetry and literature when the occasion called for it. Or when it did not. When feeling wistful or in need of a respite, it was Wordsworth’s “I wandered lonely as a cloud.” Another classic was “never make a putt you don’t need.” Author unknown. Dick would talk to anyone and came away from most encounters with a new best friend. He had a penchant for Popeyes Spicy Chicken, golf, travel, grocery shopping, and of course, his family.

He was generous and kind to everyone, not just as a parent, but as a mentor and friend. Dick’s intelligence and irreverent sense of humor, as well as his willingness to share his strong opinions, sparked lively discussions that we will cherish forever. Laughter filled our home, and his sage advice will always guide us when we need it most.

Dick’s pride and joy for the last 25 years, aside from golf and his lovely wife, was his ten grandchildren, Jack, Declan, Sam, Edie, Nate, Charlie, Max, Claire, Maggie, and Lucia. He delighted in their accomplishments and encouraged their dreams. He had a unique bond with each of them and his unconditional love will remain a source of comfort and strength to them for years to come. They were lucky to have him in their lives for as long as they did. We all were.

Dick is also survived by two of his four brothers, Desmond and Alan Deegan of Dublin, Ireland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His brothers Valentine and Christie Deegan, of London and Waterford, predeceased him.

Although we grieve his passing, we celebrate the remarkable man he was. Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and laughter that permeates our daily lives. We miss him every day and he will be in our hearts forever.

A funeral mass will be held at St Jane de Chantal Catholic Church, 9601 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland, on Friday, November 29th, with a celebration of life beginning promptly at 10:45 am at St. Jane. Reception to follow at John and Adriana’s home, 9510 Singleton Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817

Rest in peace, dear Dad. We will take it from here.