Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Deer Obituary
Richard "Rick" E. Deer III, 59, of Fombell was received into Heaven on Thursday after bravely battling advanced prostate cancer for five years.
What a beautiful ending to his story. A man who gave his heart to so many spent his last day in this world on Valentine's Day. He was in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife and children.
Rick was born on June 3, 1953, in Pittsburgh, and was the eldest son of the late Richard E. Deer Jr. and the late Lillian (Sitterle) Deer.
He was a graduate of Bellevue High School in 1971, and a graduate of Duquesne University in 1975.
Rick started his career as the program director of the Wilmerding YMCA. From 1978 until 1992 he was the executive director of the Richland Youth Foundation. In 1992, Rick returned to the YMCA for the rest of his career. He thrived as the executive director of Deer Valley Family Camp until 2007, when he took over at Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, in addition to becoming the vice president of camping services.
He was a member and past president of the Rotary Club. As a Rotarian, he was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellows Award. He was a faithful member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Zelienople for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Rick was larger than life, known for his wonderful personality and sense of humor. He could be found rooting on the Pirates and Steelers, telling jokes and laughing harder than most, reading about history and reading his Bible, helping others, and always giving the perfect advice and love to his family. Above all, Rick was known for his love and devotion to family and his faith in God. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all.
Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 36 years, Charlotte (Charlie) Deer; his three children, R.C. Deer and his wife, Kym, of Charlotte, N.C.; Rachel Deer of Charlotte, N.C.; Mary Deer of Fombell; his three beautiful grandchildren, Quinn, Camden, and Reagan; and a brother, Ronald Deer of Pittsburgh.
DEER - A memorial service to celebrate the life of Richard "Rick" E. Deer III, who passed away Thursday Feb. 14, 2013, will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer with the Rev. Robert Kepplinger officiating.
Funeral services were entrusted to the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, PA 16063.
Please see http://www.facebook.com/rickdeer.stories for more details about the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rick Deer Memorial Fund, c/o YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, 126 Nagel Road, Fombell, PA 16123.
Online condolences and directions are at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Deer
Bob & Lisa (Crivelli) Simpson
February 26, 2013
Dear Charlie & family:
I truly have fond memories of you both at Deer Valley. Rick was a very special person that I had the privilige to get to know.You and your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
February 24, 2013
Charlie and family,
Our deepest sympathies.
With prayers,
Roberta, Bob, Allison and Jeremy Love
Deer Valley week 4 campers
McMichael & Lindsey Families
February 23, 2013
Dear Charlie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. All the fond memories of Deer Valley from Morning call to skit night will be forever cherished.
February 23, 2013
Bernieda Goodlowe
February 22, 2013
To the Deer Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rick was a wonderful and friendly guy who will be missed. God Bless You and may you find peace and comfort in the Lord.
Aliya Durham
February 22, 2013
Charlie,
You, your family, and the entire staff at KOK are in my thoughts and prayers. Rick will truly be missed. While I only worked with him these last four years, he was always an inspiration. I will truly miss his stories at Senior Management; he had such a presence and way with words. No one delivered a "mission moment" like Rick! May our Father grant you comfort, strenght, and peace during your time of bereavement.
February 22, 2013
Charlie & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rick. Both of you truly were an inspiration to me growing up, I have learned so much from you both and hold so many wonderful memories. You are in my prayers.
Amy Trzeciak
February 21, 2013
Our deepest sympathy Charlie to you and your family.The fond memories the Trzeciak family hold in our hearts of you both will remain in our memory book forever!Thank you Rick and to you Charlie for being the wind beneath his wings. Love, Walt and Kathy
Karen Schwarzbach
February 20, 2013
Of all the wonderful people I knew and worked with during my years at the YMCA, Rick and Charlie Deer were at the top of the list.
Rick lit up a room simply by walking into it. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know and interact with him.
Jennifer Bond
February 20, 2013
Rachel & Family
I am so sorry to hear about the passing Rick Deer III. Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this time. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 20, 2013
Charlie,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. I remember him from the days at the RYF. He was a wonderful man! My prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa (Irwin) Wolfe
February 19, 2013
Dear Charlie,
I just learned of the loss of Rick & am truly sorry. He was an important part of the growing up of the Byrd kids all them years ago. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Cary, Darren, Avery & Ryan Byrd
Traci Hirschfeld
February 19, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He is my first memory of Deer Valley--he was Asst. Director the first time I ever went to this very special place. His genuine love for the campers and his wish for us to have fun will always be in my memories. He was an amazing man. I pray the Lord will comfort you all.
Sarah Antonette
February 19, 2013
Dear Charlie, My deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of your husband. While I had never met him, the special love and close family bond that you all shared came thru in the brief conversations we had between reffing. I hope all of the wonderful memories and good times give you comfort as this time, as you are all in my prayers. Sincerely, Sarah Antonette
February 19, 2013
Rich Skinner
February 19, 2013
Charlie and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich Skinner and Family
Kay Jacob
February 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Deer Family. I have known Rick for 5 years. Always had a smile on his face. GOD has a new Angel. GOD Bless.
February 18, 2013
dear charlie and family you have our very deepest sympathy your former neighbors judy funkhouser gregson and gary gregson
February 18, 2013
dear charlie and family you have our very deepest sympathy after ricks death your former neighbors judy funkhouser gregson and gary gregson
Sue Williamson
February 18, 2013
Dear Charlie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find much strength and comfort through our faithful Lord and through your children and grandchildren. You are a great lady and we miss seeing you at the school.
Tony, Pat, Lynne & Dave Palermo
February 18, 2013
Hi Charlie & Family
This is Tony. It was a lot of years ago that Rick guided Dave & Lynne thru RYF. Pick up softball. "Sign of the Buffalo!" Trophies, some of which we still have. Rick's smiles & spirit. Charlie, I even painted faces for some of your kids' sports teams. You folks will always be a secure part of our Life experience. Thanks for being there for us. Rick, Godspeed. We'll meet again.
C.J. Yurchak
February 18, 2013
Charlie and family...so sorry for your loss. Thinkin of yinz!
Sugar Lake
February 18, 2013
To Charlie and Family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Rick, you and the children from my trips to Womens Week at Deer Valley. Rick's enthusiasm for life was contagious and he made my time at DV very special.
Phyllis Donoghue
February 17, 2013
Charlie and Family,
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Rick. He was a great inspiration to many people. He will remain in the hearts of all the kids whoever attended Deer Valley or Camp Kon-O-Kwee. All of my children attended both camps and always thought the world of Rick! He even gave my kids hats and mittens one year when they forgot to pack them. My children all loved the Indian Princess and Indian Guides program because of the wonderful experiences at the camps and because Rick was such a great role model to these kids.He will always hold a place in the hearts of our family. Love, The Donoghues
February 17, 2013
My sincere sympathies to you Charlie and your family. Rick was one of my best friends from grade school to graduation. When I found out he was ata Camp Kon OKwee, I was so excited for all of the kids. Talked to him a year or so ago. Hugging you all Darlene Stock
Dave Spudy
February 17, 2013
Charlie and family,
My condolenes. Rick was a very special person. I'll remember his stories, humor and his ability to solve situations. Working with him to set up the Penn-Trafford environmental experience will always be positive and a real plus for the students who meet him.Thanks for sharing him with us. God bless him and your family.
Andy & Diana Diana
February 17, 2013
What a wonderful man--making memories for so many families at Deer Valley & Camp Kon-0-kwee. Also a wonderful family. We are sad to hear of your loss and will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers.
Tim Callwood
February 17, 2013
To the entire Deer Family:
My deepest sympathy in this time. Rick was a great influence from my days at the RYF.
February 17, 2013
Charlie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Rick was a great inspiration to many.
Gini & Jiml Longwell
February 17, 2013
Dear Charlie and family,
We were so sad to hear the news of Rick passing away. What a LUCKY man to have had such a lovely family in his life. We will remember all of the smiles and laughter he brought to so many. He will truly be missed. Love Nancy and Mike
February 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Rick Deer's family. Rick was such a wonderful person. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Mary Horvath
Frank Falvo
February 17, 2013
Ron, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother. May your good memories of him bring you comfort and peace.
Marvin Fein
February 17, 2013
Dear Charlie, R.C., Rachel and Mary
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. His warmth and generosity and that of your whole family made Deer Valley one of the richest and most wonderful experiences of my life. I shall never forget him or any of you. You are all in my prayers.
February 17, 2013
Rachel,
Praying for you and your family.
Mel Denton
Chuck Husa
February 17, 2013
Very sorry to hear about Rick's passing & very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Rick's family and friends. We only knew him from camp through the Indian Guide program, but he was always there, always smiling & really seemed to enjoy what he did. We'll miss him.
The Husa Family
Patrice Scarpino
February 17, 2013
Mary, I'm sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Keeping you and your family in thought and prayer. Patrice
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Deer's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Deer
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Deer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
