Dick Robert Pinegar Sr. (d. 2010)

Obituary

Pinegar, Dick Robert Sr. Passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the age of 89. A native Detroiter, his first job was as a Stock Boy at J.L. Hudson's. In June 1938 he joined the Navy. While in the Navy, he served as a Ship Fitter aboard the USS Dubuque; at the USN Training Station in Norfolk, VA.; and aboard the USS Griffin. In January of 1942 he shipped to Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, a converted box car carrier from the United Fruit Company used as a supply ship. After delivering PT Boats to Cristobal, Panama the USS Kitty Hawk moved on to its primary function of running aircraft and ordinance between California and Hawaii. In early 1943 he boarded the USS Walter S. Brown, an Evarts-Class Destroyer Escort that delivered troops and ship supplies to Africa and the Mediterranean. In early 1944 he took shore duty in Pearl Harbor until the end of World War II. While on leave in 1943, he married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Rita McKlensky, on October 7. Post WW II, he and Ann settled in Ann Arbor and had three children: Dick Jr., Linda (Doty) and Donna (Rowe). After completing his apprenticeship via UA Local 190 Plumbers & Pipe Fitters, he worked in the Plumbing Shop at the University of Michigan; at Boone & Darr Plumbing; and went on to co-own Universal Heating & Plumbing from 1960 to 1980. "Post Retirement" he worked on various projects via Local 190, where he was the oldest member, active for 64 years. An active member of the Ann Arbor Elks Club, he served on the Drill Team and in other capacities for many years. He is preceded in death by his wife Ann. He is survived by his sister Ruth Halapi; Grandchildren Mary (Kathy) Pinegar-Koster, Kevin Pinegar, Laura Ake, Sarah Pinegar; Roger and Johanna Doty; Elizabeth Abbey; and Great-Grand-children Sam and Marc Koster. Visitation will be Sunday March 28th from 4-7 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday March 29th at 11 a.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Washtenong Memorial Garden. An on-line guest book is available at www.mem.com.