Richard M. Deneau

Richard M. Deneau, a loving husband, devoted father and grandpa, and accomplished executive, passed away on November 7, 2024, at the age of 78, in his home in Upland, Indiana. He was surrounded by his family, who meant the world to him. Richard was born on September 2, 1946, in Saginaw, Michigan, and throughout his life, he touched the hearts of many with his warm demeanor and generous spirit.

Richard's love for freshwater fishing in The Great Lakes and Canada, golfing, hunting, and traveling was evident in everything he did. He adored time spent with his beloved wife, Susan, and their children Linda, Brian, and Stacey, along with his grandchildren. He cherished every moment with them, making memories that will be treasured forever.

In addition to his passion for family and hobbies, Richard was a dynamic business leader who mastered the art of business leadership. His impressive career path took him through various roles, from his early days in a CPA firm to his time as a bank president and his pivotal roles in leading and advising businesses in the packaging and manufacturing industries. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering work ethic earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike.

Richard was a 1964 graduate of Bridgeport High School and proudly obtained his Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Richard found joy in music, attending over 70 concerts with his wife, Susan. Together, they enjoyed performances by iconic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, and Engelbert Humperdinck. In addition to music, Richard loved to travel with Susan. They traveled all over, and a few of his favorite places to visit were Utah, Portugal, Nevis, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

Richard is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Linda (Tony) Manganello, Upland, Brian (Meredith) Deneau, Louisville, Colorado, and Stacey (William) Lape, Woodbury, Minnesota; grandchildren, Alycia (Josh), Alex (Gillian), Mallory, Johnathan, Lucy, and Sophie; and brothers, William "Bill" (Kathy) Deneau, Traverse City, Michigan, and Dr. Timothy "Tim" (Cathy) Deneau, Santa Rosa, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lila Deneau.

Arrangements for Richard have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana, where a visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Dan Blosser officiating. A private graveside service for family only will take place at Jefferson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Richard M. Deneau requests donations be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for Sarcoma. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Sarcoma Cancer Research. Please indicate "In memory of Richard M. Deneau" on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207.