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1937-2023
Richard "Dick" Darrah, a loving and gentle soul, passed away peacefully at Hearthstone Health Campus in Bloomington, Ind. on October 17, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. Born on September 27, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dick was a friendly and dedicated man who devoted his life to the service of his family, community, and country.
Dick attended Peabody High School before enrolling in the Marines in 1956 and serving as a Meteorologist. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued a higher education at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his college degree in Management from West Texas State University in 1990, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
In 1961, Richard married his sisters' friend, Merry Ann from St. Clair Avenue. In 1974, Dick embarked on a fulfilling career as a purchasing agent for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. His work took him to various locations across the country, including Waterford, Conn., Charlottesville, Va., Baton Rouge, La., and Amarillo, Texas. In 1991, he worked at Pantex as a Contract Administrator, where he continued to serve until his retirement in 2004. Dick's strong work ethic and dedication to his profession were evident in his long and successful career.
Twenty-six years later in the same hospital where he was born, their daughter, Lisa (Darrah) Connolly was born and the family moved from Pittsburgh, Pa. to East Liverpool, Ohio, where they made their first family home. Dick's life was enriched by his love for his family. He is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Marshall and Jackie Dolin, and their families. as well as six children, eight grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Dick and his beloved wife of 62 years, Merry Ann (Boch) Darrah, built a beautiful family together, adopting Richard Allen in 1978 and Kevin Donald, Robert Anthony "Tony", William Micah "Bill", and Matthew John in 1982. The family home was always filled with the hustle and bustle of school events, soccer games, and scout meetings.
Dick's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. He had a deep love for fire trucks, trains, the Steelers, and Mickey Mouse. His community involvement was vast, ranging from serving as an elder at St. Luke Presbyterian Church to volunteering with the American Red Cross, Voting Precincts, Boy Scouts of America, DeMolay, and many others. Dick was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the Jaycees.
In his later years, when dementia began to impact his life, Dick and Merry Ann relocated to Bloomington, Ind. Despite the challenges, their love remained steadfast, with Merry Ann becoming his caregiver and advocate. Their bond was a testament to their enduring love and commitment to each other.
Graveside services for Merry Ann and Dick will be held in Riverview Cemetery in East Liverpool, Ohio, where the couple's love story began, at the family plot on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Gary Schrekengost officiating. Chandler Funeral Home of Ellettsville, Ind. is assisting with arrangements. Share condolences, memories and more with Dick's family by visiting www.chandlerfh.com
10/20/23