Richard DiGregorio

Richard Francis DiGregorio "Coach Pop", "Coach D" or "Big Rich" , age 76 of West Chester, PA, passed away on Friday, February 26th, 2021.

Rich was born in Philadelphia on September 25th, 1944 to the late Guerino and Olivera (Fani) DiGregorio.

He was a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School for Boys. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle to his entire family, Rich was the type of man who would finish a long day’s work at Boeing Vertol (where he spent 42 years as a non-destructive testing technician) and then, once home, head off to practice to coach his children’s sports, only to head back out as a cashier clerk at Pathmark for a night shift, afterward. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or softball, Rich always made sure to be a part of his kids’ lives. He was a dedicated and constant family man.

Beyond his unwavering love for his wife and five children, Rich enjoyed many interests in life. His passion for coaching and mentoring children was undeniable. Over a fifty-plus-year career in coaching, he took thousands of children under his wings and cared for each one like family. When he wasn’t coaching, he enjoyed such interests as hunting, fishing, bowling (in his younger years), and golf. In his later years, Rich and his wife Dolores found joy in watching the many birds and squirrels who would greet them every morning on their deck. Rich also tapped into his artistic side in retirement, painting many nature scenes cherished by those he gifted. His green thumb ensured a bounty of tomatoes every summer.

Rich was a member of many organizations, such as Toby Farms Athletic Association (TFAA), Little All American Football Association (LAFA), St. Maximilian Kolbe Football, Delaware County Field & Stream and the Delaware County Anglers. He was an active member at SS Simon and Jude Parish as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Marriage Encounter, and former Chester Township, PA Committeeman.  To his in-laws, he was considered to be the “Godfather of the outlaws”, always making the in-laws feel like a part of the family.

When Rich became a grandfather, his grandchildren became his world. They lovingly referred to him as “Pop”. Their Pop spent as much time as he could with them, teaching and coaching them just as he did with the generation before, and passing on his many loves and traditions. Always one with a sweet treat on hand, he was sure to brighten one’s day with a Tootsie Roll or Tootsie Pop. Over time, Rich became known as Pop to almost everyone that had the pleasure of spending time with him. Pop walked through life with a selfless love that was contagious - many local store employees who had come to know him over the years would look forward to his visits and chats - he had a talent for making friends with everyone.

Rich is survived by the love of his life, and loving wife of 52 years, Dolores (McMahon); five children: Richard (Kris), Joseph (Meghan), Kathleen (Lou), Christopher, and Daniel (Amy) and three siblings, Irma Bianco, Theresa Grant, and Louis. He is preceded in death by five siblings: Rose DeFeo, Andrew, Gloria, John, Dr. G.John. He had eight grandchildren: Stephen, Marissa, Joseph, Matthew, Kevin, Merryn, Anna, and Benjamin.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 10:30 AM-12:50 PM Saturday, March 6, 2021 at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Ct, West Chester, PA followed by his Funeral Mass 1:00 PM. Interment will be private.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich’s name may be made to either Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/#!/donation/checkout or SS Simon and Jude Parish at https://school.simonandjude.org/annual-fund