Richard Paul DeStefano passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022, at the age of 85. A lifelong resident of Sudbury, Dick was a community leader, athlete, educator, politician, and entrepreneur. He was a loving husband and father, and he spent his life building connections between people, inspiring them, and working to improve the community he lived in.
He lived a rich life both professionally and personally. Richard grew up in the West End and attended St. Charles College and Scollard Hall. He carried degrees from Western University and Michigan State University. He returned to Sudbury and started his career teaching and coaching at Garson and Sudbury High. He spent time at Cambrian College and the University of Sudbury as a career counselor. He was a member of city council, had his own radio show, and led several city-wide initiatives, and was the chair of the 1983 Ontario Summer Games. He served on the CRTC and started several companies and organizations, most notably the Sudbury Area Mining Service and Supply Association (SAMSSA).
With contagious energy, curiosity, and innovative thinking he strove to bring out the best in those with whom he worked and played.
He is survived by his wife Maureen (nee Mattson), sons Devin (wife Beeni) and Joel, sister Kathy and his three grandchildren Oliver, Isabel, and Finn DeStefano, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Cremation at the Parklawn Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Dick DeStefano Accessibility Fund at Dynamic Earth, or to the Maison McCulloch Hospice would be welcomed. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Richard Dick DeStefano Sunday July 24th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario