W. Richard de Wees, age 78, of Parker Ford, PA, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at home. Born on June 8, 1945 in Valley Forge, PA, he was a son of the late William and Edith W. (Compton) Dewees. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Fay V. Heffernen and Edith M.Toth.



Rick was a graduate of Phoenixville Area High School. He went on to serve with the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania for more than 5 years ending his enlistment with the rank of Sergeant. He continued to enjoy studying military history through his lifetime. Rick worked in the grocery industry for 42 years, first at the A&P in Phoenixville and then at SuperFresh in Wayne, PA. He was a Vice President on the Executive Board of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1776. He served as the shop steward for over 20 years negotiating union talks and contracts for his fellow employees. He supported and was most proud of the Quality of Work Life (QWL) program throughout the years.



Rick was passionate about and supported various charitable organizations throughout his life like the ASPCA, Samaritan's Purse and others.



For many years, in their Kimberton, PA, garage Rick and his dad built many large scale remote control model airplanes and enjoyed flying and fellowship with their club in the Trooper area. He was a member of several local hunting and gun clubs and excelled at target shooting competitions. As a young man, Rick also enjoyed motorcycling with his friends often for days at a time.



Rick was very proud of the de Wees family history, and he spent countless hours researching and gaining as much knowledge as possible. He loved to share that Colonel William de Wees served on the staff of General George Washington, and that Congress had called for reparations to the de Wees family for allowing the land to be used as the settlement for Washington's Army. This land would go on to become what is now known as Valley Forge National Historical Park. https://www.pottsmerc.com/2005/01/03/the-war-comes-to-pennsylvania/



Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Washington Memorial Chapel, in honor of the de Wees family heritage displayed in the chapel, P.O. Box 98, Valley Forge, PA, 19481. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.