STEGMAN, Richard

The Arizona Republic 3/18/2010 Richard S. Stegman, 92, died on March 15, 2010, after a brief illness. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 18, 1918, his beloved parents, Daniel & Irene Stegman, moved their family to Detroit, MI when he was 7 years of age. He attended Northern High School and then Wayne State University Pharmacy School, graduating in 1940. He served in WWII in Douglas, Arizona, at an Army Air Corp base helping to rehabilitate wounded veterans. Following the war, he returned to Detroit to practice pharmacy as owner of Olympia Drugs in the Olympia Stadium from 1940 to 1960, after which he owned Dick's Discount Drugs until retirement. As a young father he loved to enrich his own children's lives by working with kids, creating a fun, comforting and educational experience as a scout leader, both Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, at Winship Elementary School for nine years. He was Master Councilor of the Order of DeMolay and achieved the Mason's 32nd degree. He was cherished for his sense of humor and loved for playing kind practical jokes. He was always busy--loving to "tinker" with mechanical items like antique clocks, painting landscapes and still lifes, doing crafts and baking. He was a frequent volunteer at Har Zion in many capacities; even an "honorary" member of the sisterhood kitchen squad. He is survived by his beloved wife Sue (Marion Sarah Bank) of 68 years, his children Cary & Shirley (Kunin) Stegman, Michael & Sandy (Sperling) Stegman, Lisa (Stegman) & Michael Berkley, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Although an only child, he had 7 brothers and sisters in-law who considered him their cherished sibling, their very special big brother. An even larger extended family many of whom saw him as their father or grandfather, plus many friends, who loved him very much. Sue and Dick moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1980 to be with their children, all of whom had already made Arizona their home. Graveside services were held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Donations are suggested to Hospice of the Valley (Sherman Home) www.hov.org, Har Zion Synagogue, (6140 East Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) or Doctors Without Borders. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.