OBITUARY: Richard L. "Dick" Drone

Richard L. "Dick" Drone, age 80, lifelong Ridgway resident died on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Peoria after an extended illness.

Dick as most knew him was born in Harrisburg on July 31, 1933, to the late Mathias and Margaret (McGuire) Drone. He served his country in the Navy. On Nov. 23, 1955, he married the former Virginia (Ande) Drone who survives. Dick worked his entire life as a electrician. He was a faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church.

Dick loved computers, playing cards, hunting Indian artifacts, socializing with his friends and his church. He had a keen sense of humor and always had kind word or smile for you. He was a wonderful soul with wonderful heart, always taking such good care of his family. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed.

Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Drone of Ridgway; three daughters, Becky Drone of Ridgway, Christine (Lewie) Madden of St. Joseph, Mo., and Brenda (Terry) Wiles of Mackinaw; four grandchildren, Aaron (Dawn) Wiles, Kyle (Li) Wiles, Jason (Anna) Madden, Rachel (Shawn) Kirkpatrick; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, along with two sisters, Rita Hayes, Delores Solger and a brother Matt Drone Jr. He was also preceded in death by his step mother, Teenie February who helped raise him.

Visitation for Dick will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway where a prayer service will be said starting at 5 p.m. His funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at the St. Patricks Chapel in Pond Settlement east of Ridgway. Interment will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Ridgway with military rites.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in his memory to the St. Kateri Church Building fund or the Ridgway Golden Circle. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com