Richard Depperman

1931-2021

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Richard C. Depperman of Oakmont, Pa., formerly of Wilkinsburg, PA, age 90, entered eternal life on March 14, 2021.
He was born March 5, 1931, to Edwin and Wilhemina “Min” (Schalk) Depperman.
He was preceded in death by loving parents, Min and Edwin, of Owensville; and elder son, Bruce Depperman of Kansas City.
Richard, also known as Dick, was cared for by his wife of 50 years, Carla Deane (Love).
He is remembered fondly by a myriad of friends and family and three living children: Susanne of New York City, Chris of Dallas, Texas, and Dawn of Keller, Texas; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Ruth of Owensville; three nieces; and extended family in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army, including a year in Germany. Subsequently, he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied electrical engineering. Richard was employed by Motorola, IBM and Westinghouse as a technical writer and later in sales for several Pittsburgh companies. Community service was a central part of Richard’s spare time, first in 1971 with the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry (WCM) as volunteer, then a board member and later as president in late 1970s. With help of talented WCM staff and volunteers, Richard spearheaded bike marathons, haunted train stations and carnivals, all to keep community youth involved. Due to need for new political leadership in Wilkinsburg, Richard ran and served twice as mayor of Wilkinsburg between 1982-1990, a period of severe fiscal constraints in the Boro. Richard provided certain stability, respectability in the borough, leading the charge for a highly successful centennial celebration in 1987, honorably helping to cut the ribbon for the East Busway opening. Richard firmly believed in the people and potential of the community.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, March 24, at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh.
A private memorial service and burial will be held Saturday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at Owensville City Cemetery with Rev. Stephanie DeLong officiating. If desired, a contribution may be made to: Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, 702-704 Wood Street (15221) or other charity of choice.
Professional services trusted to D’Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory LTD, Lawrenceville, (dalessandroltd.com) and Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville (gottenstroeterfuneralhome.com).