Cullum: 27729
Class: '68
Cadet Company: B2
Date of Birth: May 19, 1946
Date of Death: July 6, 2014 - View or Post a Eulogy
Richard Freeman DesJardien of Coatesville Richard Freeman DesJardien, 68,
engineer and West Point graduate, class of '68; settled in Coatesville after
12 years in the military serving as a Staff Officer, a Ranger, and a helicopter
pilot in Vietnam, died on Sunday, July 6, 2014. He finally retired from the
VA Hospital, after leaving Lukens Steel, working as an engineer for both places.
He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Nee Bauer) DesJardien; son of the
late Mildred (Nee Richards) and Donald DesJardien; and devoted father to Peter
Freeman DesJardien and his wife Tara (Nee O'Donnell), and Elizabeth Anne (Nee
DesJardien) Baldwin and her husband Josh; and much loved grandfather of Hannah
Faith, Charles Michael, and Abigail Grace DesJardien and Gabriella Raine and
Benjamin Richard Baldwin. He is survived by one of his two brothers, John
Wilson DesJardien and his wife Teresa, and Ann DesJardien, wife of his late
older brother Donald DesJardien. Mr. DesJardien and his wife cooked and entertained
often. They were known for their theme parties and bonfires. Their last party,
celebrating 45 years of marriage, was a terrific goodbye for Mr. DesJardien
who was valiantly battling cancer. Mr. DesJardien enjoyed golf, attending
his children's sporting events, football and wine making. He will sorely be
missed. A graveside service is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th,
at St. Malachi's Cemetery in Cochranville, Pa. with a "Celebration of
Life" to follow at the DesJardien home. In lieu of flowers, please consider
making a donation in Rich's name to the Brandywine Conservancy, committed
to open land preservation,610-388-8346.