Richard A. Dapra

On Sunday, December 18th 2022, Richard A. Dapra, 81, passed away, surrounded by his children, from complications related to bladder cancer. His family thanks the caring staff at Yale New Haven Hospital and those at Smilow Cancer Center in Guilford for their expertise and dedication. Richard joins his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeannie, who passed in August 2020. Richard was born and raised in Oakmont, PA, to Marion and Mary Dapra. He is survived by his three children: son Jonathan; son Jason and wife Cynthia; and daughter Ann and husband Michael. His four grandchildren; Matthew Ryan Dapra, Natalie Anne Dapra, Perrin Elizabeth Baisley and Porter Vivian Baisley, brought a sparkle to his eye. The best gift he gave was to be present for his grandchildren, each of whom had a special relationship with their PapPap. He also leaves behind several loved relatives from the greater Pittsburgh area. Richard attended Lycoming College and on graduation was commissioned an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Captain in Vietnam. Richard and Jeannie often thought of their days on base as newlyweds as some of their happiest, during which they secured lifelong friends. Being a Marine family was an honor they instilled at home by celebrating the Marine Corps birthday every year. Richard earned a Master's degree at Bucknell University then a PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. He spent over 40 years in leadership and talent development. He was a founding executive at DDI International, then started his own firm working with the EEOC and the U.S. Army. Ultimately Richard held executive HR and talent development positions at Pitney Bowes, Aetna, and Liberty Mutual. Post retirement, he joined the strategy consulting firm BTS USA to build its international leadership assessment practice. Over his career, he published many articles as well as a book on leadership with his son. Richard left an impact on all who worked with him as a compassionate, intelligent, humble, and exceptional leader. In retirement, he and Jeannie built their home at the beach in Clinton where they had great times with family and friends, old and new. Golf, a lifelong passion, provided activity and friendship with a cadre of golfers from the Farmington Country Club and Clinton Country Club. Richard loved to drive his restored vintage Defender, often loaded with the grandchildren for an adventure to the beach, mini golf, or for ice cream. Richard volunteered at many organizations including the Sarah Foundation, Inc, Vessels for Vets and Heroes in Transition. Richard’s faith was important to him and he attended St Mary’s of the Visitation. A private mass of Christian burial will be held, then he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His legacy is to be remembered as seeing good things in people. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to The Sarah Foundation, Inc. are appreciated. Semper Fi, RAD.