Richard Francis Deitrick

Richard Francis Deitrick, 79, Harlingen, Texas, departed from this earthly life on March 31, 2023, at Christus Santa Rosa Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He fought cancer for 40+ years following his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Richard was born, the only son and youngest child, of Mary Margaret Milchuck and Frank Joseph Deitrick on February 5, 1944.

After the early passing of his mother, Richard spent his formative years at Saint Joseph’s Home for Children in Erie, Pennsylvania, which he credited for much success in his future life. At the age of 19, Richard joined the United States Air Force where he was the recipient of numerous awards and medals, proudly retiring at the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant, in September of 1990. While enlisted, he also earned his bachelor’s degree from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

After retiring, Richard met the love of his life, Elizabeth Kay Brammer in 1996 while they both happened to be vacationing in the Bahamas. After returning home, Richard realized he could not live without her and she quickly joined him in Bastrop, Texas. They were married on July 19, 1997, celebrating their 25th anniversary on a Mississippi River cruise last year.

Richard was an inspiration to those around him, sharing stories of encouragement and lighting up a room with his smile. He was an active member of the local Episcopal Church where in addition to faithful attendance, enjoyed the volunteer opportunities it provided. He loved to golf, fish and help those around him. There was not anything he could not fix, and everyone knew it!

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Thomas Lee Deitrick, and his beloved dog, Hogan.

Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kay Deitrick, his sons, Joseph Michael (Jory) Deitrick, Pete Deitrick, Steve Deitrick, Rick (Sherry) Deitrick and Robert (Beata) Deitrick, his grandchildren, Brooke Allison (Bryan) Noth, Bryttanie Nicole Deitrick, Tamara Lee Deitrick, Alexandra Frances Deitrick, Madelinne Olivia Deitrick, Maximilian Alexander Deitrick, Sabrina Olivia Deitrick, Karlie Deitrick, Reece Deitrick, Julia Deitrick, Jordyn Jean Deitrick, Joleigh Grace Deitrick, and Josie Raye Deitrick; his great grandchildren (namesake) Richard Vaughn Noth and Zinnia Mariella Noth; and sisters, Claire (Jim) Bischalaney and Lorraine (Craig) Loewe .

A memorial will be held on May 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Port Isabel, Texas. Reception in the parish hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the hospital that took amazing care of him, Friends of Christus Santa Rosa Medical Center www.friendsfoundation.org/donate. You can select that you are making this gift in memory of Richard Francis Deitrick.

Job well done, good and faithful servant.