Richard Stephen Waligore Jr.

Richard (Dick) Stephen Waligore Jr., age 73, surrounded by loving family was taken home by our Lord Jesus Christ on March 20, 2025. Richard was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on October 18th, 1951 to Richard Stephen Waligore Sr. and Elizabeth (Fairman) Waligore. Dick was a longtime resident of Romeo Michigan.

Richard also known as “Dick” enlisted in the United States Navy in 1970 to serve his country during the Vietnam war. He completed training to become an Aircrew Survival Equipment-man at the Naval Air Technical Training Center and was assigned to Attack Squadron 153 (VA-153) onboard the USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) Aircraft Carrier. In addition to his normal duties of ensuring the safety of aircrew flying combat missions over Vietnam, he was also a Master-at-Arms and ensured the safety and security of the ship's crew while at port.

After leaving the Navy in 1974, Richard continued to serve and became a San Diego Police Officer. He later moved back to Michigan and obtained a bachelor's degree in forestry from Michigan State University. He then worked for the U. S. Forest Service for nearly a decade. Later Richard worked as a Design Engineer and was part of the Chevrolet Design team at General Motors for 20 years. After leaving GM he continued to work part time at Home Depot for a few years before officially retiring.

In 1984 Richard Waligore married Patricia (Patt) Dutchik of Sterling Heights, Michigan at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. They lived in Macomb, Michigan and had two children, Patrick and Katrina and all later moved to Romeo Michigan. Dick was also a devout follower of Christ and a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Romeo. He was a loving and supporting father, grandfather and husband.

Richard is survived by his former wife Patricia Dutchik, his son Patrick Waligore, daughter-in-law Amenda, his daughter Katrina Garrison, son-in-law Michael and his three beloved grandchildren Keziah, Evelyn and Ethan along with his three loving brothers Don, Dennis and Tim Waligore.

Richard was a man of family and faith. While he greatly enjoyed spending time in nature. He valued time with his family above all else. He touched many lives and was always described as loving, smart, witty and funny. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 1-7 pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, MI. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 6pm

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at St. Clement Catholic Church (343 S. Main St, Romeo, MI 48065) instate at 9:30am, Mass beginning at 10am

Burial to be held immediately following at Great Lakes National Cemetery (4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442) committal at 1pm with Honors.