Richard M. Dawson

Richard was born in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on February 3rd, 1945. He always found it funny that his birth date was in numerical order; 2, 3, 45, and enjoyed telling people about it every chance he got. He grew up in Dormont, PA, working odd jobs through high school, including lifeguarding at the local pool – we loved to go there during our summers off, and it was a real treat for us; the pool went on forever it seemed.

After high school, Richard went on to attend college at Slippery Rock University, until such time as he was drafted to serve in the military. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War from October of 1965 through June of 1969, and he would carry that sense of duty and commitment throughout his life.

Following his military service in the USMC, he worked for the US Government as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in Oberlin, OH, from December 1969 to September of 1981; a role that reflected his steady focus, commitment, and responsibility to his work. Several citations for excellent service on the job were issued by his superiors throughout his career. After his Air Traffic Controller career came to an end, he worked mostly as an independent contractor for various companies in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Music was one of Richard’s greatest passions, and he loved to DJ parties and events whenever he could. He belonged to a private club in the 1970’s and early 1980’s called the Jaycee’s in Elyria, OH, and his extensive record collection made him the perfect person to host and DJ their events – to say he enjoyed every minute of it was an understatement. His extensive music collection was a source of pride for him – he often listened to music at the house or in the car, sometimes blasting the music so loud that his family had to cover their ears. He also enjoyed collecting firearms and spending time at the shooting range. Richard found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching James Bond and other action movies, enjoying good food, and spending time with his friends at the local VFW, where laughter and stories were always in abundance.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved father, George Alexander Dawson, beloved mother, Eunice Aurelia MacDonald Dawson, and beloved eldest son, Richard George Dawson. He is survived by his daughters Michelle Ann (Jeff) Hardway (nee Dawson) of Lorain, Ohio, Heather Marie Dawson of Avon, Ohio and son Eric James Dawson of Elyria, Ohio, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind not only his family, but many friends who will remember his stories and humor.

There will be a greeting of friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in the Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc. 197 N. Maiden St., Waynesburg, PA 15370 Shane M. Ayers, Managing Director with his service being held at 12:00 PM with Rev. William Parker officiating.

Richard will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies and will receive full military honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering at a VA resource center or VA event, or making a contribution to a Veterans Medical Center of your choice by going to www.va.gov