Richard L. DeSimone

Richard L. DeSimone, 88, of Irvine, PA (formerly of Avonmore, PA) was peacefully welcomed into God’s Kingdom on Monday, November 28, 2022. He resided at the Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for the last two years.

Richard “Dick” was born on July 21,1934, to the late Frank and Anne (Busi) DeSimone of Avonmore, PA. Richard graduated from Belle-Avon High School and went on for further education at Kiski Prep in Saltsburg, PA. He was then recruited with a full scholarship to Clemson University to play football. Dick was a three-year letterman for the Clemson Tigers, and he played in multiple bowl games, including the 1957 Orange Bowl and the 1957 Blue-Gray All-Star game, in which he was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player. In 1958, he was invited to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, but due to injuries in a pre-season game, he ended his dream of playing football. In later years, he was inducted into the Allegheny-Kiski Sports Hall of Fame. 

After football, Dick pursued a job as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. He was stationed at the Warren Barracks where he had many duties including issuing and processing driver exams and CDL licenses.  After a long and successful career, he retired in 1992.  

On September 24, 1966, Richard married Martha Bressler, of Johnsonburg, PA. Together they shared a wonderful marriage and raised four sons. Dick enjoyed many outdoor activities. He was very passionate about raising his brittany spaniel bird dogs and especially loved pheasant hunting. Other favorite activities included big game hunting trips, fishing, going to Camp Blue Springs, golfing, and coaching various sports. Most importantly, he loved his family and was involved in all these activities with his sons and grandchildren. Dick loved watching sporting events, traveling with Martha, hanging out at the barbershop, and singing in various choirs. He was very family-oriented and loved  going to the beach every year with the entire family.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Martha and four sons, Frank (Rhonda) of Warren, PA, Richard (Mary) of Youngsville, PA, John (Rachel) of Coopersburg, PA, and Nathan (Kimberly) of Union City, PA. He had a special place in his heart for his 10 grandchildren, Selesta (Jeremy and Ridgley Blum), Alexander (Maggie Micah), Nicholas (Taya Bailey), Jacob, Matthew, Alyssa, Jaaron, Jacalyn, Cole, and Carter. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Mila and Malaki.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his two brothers and their wives, Peter (Helen) DeSimone of Medina, OH and Raymond (Florence) DeSimone of Mount Pleasant, PA.

Dick was a member of the Koinonia Christian Fellowship of Chautauqua. He attended the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Youngsville, PA where he served as a Trustee and sang in the choir. He was also a past president of the Youngsville Lions Club.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 3, from 6-9pm at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 18 Second Street, Youngsville, Pa 16371. A funeral service will be held there on Sunday, December 4, at 3pm with the Rev. Jeff Canter, pastor, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggest monetary donations can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.

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