Richard Hesselgesser

Richard Dwight (Dick) Hesselgesser, 78 of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Slippery Rock, PA passed away with his daughter by his side.  He was born on July 24, 1944, in Grove City, PA, the son of Dwight and Marion (Graham) Hesselgesser.  He was a 1962 graduate of the Slippery Rock Area Joint High School.  He served his country in the United States Air Force 42nd AEMS while in the service.  He also worked in the SAC.  After returning home, he used his electronics education and gained employment in the SATEC Systems in the Grove City, Lab-Quip in Illinois Instron Industries.  Returning to Grove City, PA where he retired after more than 50 years of service. 

Among some of Dick’s interests were stock car racing.  He was an avid NASCAR fan.  He was a 1969 Western PA Rookie of the Year in late model dirt track racing at Lernerville Speedway.  Dick would often compete with his brother Tom at Lernerville and Mercer Speedways.  Dick was member of the Harrisville American Legion Post #852 for over 50 years.  Dick would enjoy going boating from time to time.  His family was very important to him, especially his grandchildren.

Left behind to cherish Dick’s memory are his four children: Michael G. Miller (wife Jennifer) of Chicora, PA; Jeffrey S. Miller (wife Sheree) of Sarver, PA; Jill Hesselgesser of Springfield, MO; Michael Webb Hesselgesser, also of Springfield, MO; one sister Barb Hesselgesser of Slippery Rock, PA.  He is further survived by his nine grandchildren, Cole and Casey Miller, Cameron and Carleigh Miller all of Pennsylvania; Jazmine LaChance of Michigan; Jerome (Rome) Hesselgesser of Missouri; Bryce, Lucy and Kelyn Marion , all of Kansas; a niece Shannon and great nephew Chilly and numerous cousins.  Dick was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his second wife Cathy, two brothers, Larry and Tom Hesselgesser.

The family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Harrisville American Legion Post #852, Harrisville, PA or the American Cancer Society.

To leave an online condolence for Richard Dwight (Dick) Hesselgesser, please visit www.bordenfuneralhome.com.  Burial was held in Springfield, Missouri.

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