Richard A. Dilgard, Class of 1953

Richard A. Dilgard ‘53 died on November 23, 2018. Richard was born on September 10, 1931 in Ashland Ohio. After graduating from Ashland High School (’49) he earned a bachelor’s degree at Otterbein (’53) and later attained his master’s degree at Miami University (’58). Most of his career was with Kettering Schools and he was the only principal of Rosewood Elementary School. During his time at Otterbein, Richard was active in WOBN Radio, choir, Sibyl yearbook, and a member of Eta Phi Mu (Jonda). Richard and his family helped establish the endowed Richard A. and Mary Hatmaker Dilgard Family Scholarship for Otterbein students pursuing their educational dreams.

Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife, and fellow Otterbein alumna, Mary Hatmaker Dilgard ‘55; parents, John and Beulah Dilgard; and sisters, Betty Keener and Ruth Hall. He is survived by his children, Bob (Michelle) Dilgard and Susan (Bob) Allison; brother, Charles Dilgard; life partner, Diane Vanderpoel; and many nieces and nephews.