Richard ‘Dick’ HesselgraveGAINESVILLE, Ga. – Richard “Dick” Hesselgrave, loving husband of 68 years and father of four, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Gainesville, Ga.
Dick was born on March 5, 1931, in Keego Harbor, Mich., to the late Vernard Hesselgrave and Peggy Larson Cole.
In Michigan, he attended Roosevelt School where he lettered in varsity football, basketball, baseball, band and was class president and captain of the basketball team during his senior year. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Submarines, serving on the USS Runner (SS-476) in Norfolk, Va.
After serving his country, he married Shirley Jean Earl in Orchard Lake, Mich., and settled in Pontiac, Mich., where they started their family and his lifelong career in the propane industry. His career ultimately took him to Gainesville, Ga., where he later retired and enjoyed lake living on Lake Lanier serving on the Lakeshore Forest Water System and Yellow Creek Community Club.
Preceding him in death is his wife, Shirley, and grandson, Eric Hesselgrave.
He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Gordon (Jeff), Gainesville, Ga.; and Merilyn Hesselgrave, Knoxville, Tenn.; sons” Rick Hesselgrave (Pam), Homer, Ga.; and Dean Hesselgrave (Cindy), Due West, S.C.; seven grandchildren: Shane Hanna (Jill), Warsaw; Nicole (Tom) Westerhof, Warsaw; Renee Mollenhour (Colin), Farragut, Tenn.; Tim Leek (Beth), Mount Horeb, Wis.; Greg Hesselgrave (Amanda), Gainesville, Ga.; Alex Hesselgrave, Due West, S.C.; Annie Hesselgrave, Due West, S.C.; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of NGMC|Northeast Georgia Health System, Gainesville, GA (www.nghs.com).
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
