Richard J. Degan Sr.

Richard J. Degan Oct. 8, 1921 - July 3, 2012 Richard "Dick" Degan passed away peacefully at his home early Tuesday morning surrounded by family. Born in San Francisco, Dick graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY in 1944, and served in the Pacific during World War II. In 1945 his ship was torpedoed; that the torpedo did not explode, we are all blessed. After serving his country, Dick met and married Rita Dreher in 1947. They had four children who they raised in Greenbrae. Dick worked in the shipping business for over 30 years, primarily for American President Lines. Advancing to Vice President of the Far East in 1973, Dick and Rita lived for several years in Japan, before returning to Greenbrae. Dick joined East Asiatic Shipping Lines as Vice President of Marketing and Sales after leaving American President Lines. After his retirement in 1986, he assisted an entrepreneur in her industrial shelving company that designed and built shelves for businesses, home and health care facilities. Dick enjoyed playing golf and travel abroad with his wife and friends. He was a loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants; though he did at times express his frustration at their performance, he never wavered in his support. He was active at Saint Sebastian's church, serving as Eucharistic Minister at Marin General Hospital and a board member of the Young at Heart club. Dick was a member of the Seniors in Retirement (SIRs). As a member of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, SS Jeremiah O'Brien Chapter, Dick worked on the team to have a Merchant Marine memorial dedicated at the Marin County Civic Center in 2003, and to establish veterans' benefits for Merchant Marine service members. On March 1, 2011, surrounded by their children, their spouses and grandchildren, Dick and Rita celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. On October 8, 2011, Dick celebrated his 90th birthday. Dick loved his family and enjoyed family gatherings, including travel to Hawaii, for many family celebrations, barbeques and special holiday celebrations. He was loved by many, had a great sense of humor and many longtime friends. Dick is survived by his loving wife Rita, daughters Susan Leroy, Christine Degan and her partner BJ Beck, Virginia Kynaston and her husband Jeff Kynaston, Richard J. Degan, Jr. and his wife Susan, and grandchildren Jenna and Ryan Degan, nieces Margaret Masters and Diane Thomas, nephew Robert J. Dreher, Jr. and great nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held Thursday July 12th at 11AM at Saint Sebastian's Catholic Church, 373 Bon Air Road in Greenbrae. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Liberty Ship Memorial, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, 1275 Columbus Avenue, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94133.