Richard (Dick) James Gregor, age 82, of Ligonier, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 22, 1942, to John and Emilia (Striesovsky) Gregor.

Richard married Sharon Arlene Rosenogle on Dec. 11, 1965 in Syracuse, Indiana.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon Gregor of Ligonier; daughters, Debra (Rockne) Pierce of Buchanan, MI, Jennifer Gregor of Alpharetta, GA-Ligonier; grandchildren, Jerry Pierce of Buchanan, MI and Racheal (Nick) Daniels of Pataskala, OH; great-grandson, Leviticus James "LJ" Daniels; nephews, Scott Arnold of Warsaw, Jeremy (Carrie) Clark of Lakeville, IN, Thomas (Kami) Clark of Goshen; niece, Cindy (Mike) Korte of Saginaw, MI; his sisters-in-law, Sarah Gregor of Saginaw, MI and Avis Nesbitt of Ligonier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Gregor; sister, Martha Arnold; niece, Darcy Gregor; and his favorite blonde, his golden lab, Nana.

Richard graduated from John Rhodes High School in 1960, in Cleveland, OH.

He worked at Silgan Plastics, formerly Monsanto, for 36 years from 1967-2003 and retired as the Director of Operations due to the progression of his Multiple Sclerosis.

Richard honorably served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam from 1960-1966 as a radar man. He was assigned to the USS Cogswell DD 651, a Fletcher-class destroyer, his call sign was Broadside.

He was inducted into the Masons in 1968 and then also became a Shriner in 1988.

Richard was a volunteer fireman for the Sparta Township Fire Department and Noble County EMT from 1970 to 1980.

He served on the Cromwell Town Board from 1976 to 1978.

He was the President on the West Noble Music Boosters from 1983 to 1984 and was elected to the West Noble School Board from 1986 to 1990.

He was also chosen to represent Noble County at the State School Board level.

Richard was resilient in many ways, this included beating cancer five times from 1996 to 2019 and also dealing with the ongoing progression of MS symptoms, all with his bride by his side.

He loved to play and watch golf, photography, woodworking, going to or watching classic car shows, watching old westerns and episodes of This Old House. He also experienced disappointment as he was a lifelong Cleveland Browns football fan.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren and being a great-grandfather.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, Indiana 46767.

A service will be held in Richard's honor at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the funeral home. Pastor Paul Deeds will officiate.

The burial will take place at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell.

In lieu of flowers, Richard requested for memorial contributions to be directed to Shriners Children's Hospital Chicago, 2211 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60707 or online at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online
at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.