Richard “Dick” J. Runner, 83 yrs old, passed on March 7, 2017 at Springfield Hospital. Born on December 19, 1933 he was raised in Chester, PA, and was a long time resident of Swarthmore, PA.
He was a graduate of Chester High School and went on to become a
Crane operator at Sun Ship, Chester PA. He retired from Philadelphia Navy Yard as a crane operator, Philadelphia PA
He was a member of the local VFW and local Chess Club.
Dick served in the Korean War, Petty Officer, US Navy (May 7, 1953-May 6, 1957) as a medical corpsman. He is predeceased by his parents Jesse and Rose (nee Evekovich) Runner.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Mary (nee Hilferty); his daughters Rosemarie DePaola, Mary Ann DeCostanza, Jennifer Rowdon, Christine Runner, the “fifth daughter” Dawn Cates, and “fur-baby” Sadie; his grandchildren Diane DeCostanza, John DeCostanza, Gina DeCostanza, Timothy Rowdon, and Christina Lyons; his great grandchildren Joanna DeCostanza, Hayden Shotwell, Cameron Shotwell, Carter Shotwell, Blaze DeCostanza.
Among Dick’s many hobbies and passions were watching horse racing with his dear friend Bill DeCostanza, golfing, sketching, bragging about his mastery of chess, ping-pong, pool and many other games. He was an avid Philly sports fan, and a successful amateur baseball player. However, Dick’s true love lay in his four daughters whom he continually praised to others, and, in conversation, always found a way to pull out a family photo of them much to their embarrassment.
He was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren, especially with Timothy his “best buddy” whom he was very proud of achieving the title of Eagle Scout. Dick spent 60 years of marriage with his love and best friend, Mary. Together they spent many hours with their children, grand children, and yelling at the television during Eagles games. He loved to give her hand-drawn, homemade cards for holidays, which always made her laugh.
He was a loving husband, father and friend who will surely be missed by all.
Funeral service Monday 11am at the Bateman-Allen Funeral Home, 4220 Edgmont Ave., Brookhaven, Pa, 19015. Visitation Monday 10-11am at the funeral home. Burial East Lawn Cemetery, Swarthmore, PA. Online condolences can be sent via www.batemanallenfuneralhome.com
Leave a Condolence