Richard Joseph DeGiuli

Richard J. DeGiuli, 80, of Bellaire, passed away August 6, 2023 at home with his family.  He was born February 17, 1943 in Detroit, MI, the son of Julius and Julia (Zambelli) DeGiuli. 

Rich was a kind, caring, loving and hardworking man.  He loved laughing and spending time with his family and friends at his home and on his boat.  Rich was known by so many people, and cherished his relationships with all of his family and friends.  He also loved his dogs and cats, and was a big animal lover, even serving as a Loon Ranger on Intermediate Lake. 

He served in the United States Navy from 1961-1965 as a crypto linguist, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  When he left the Navy, he went to work for Ford Motor Company as a line foreman.  In 1972, Rich’s love for “up north” led him to move to Bellaire full time, and purchase the Bellaire Party Store, which he owned for 22 years.  For the next 20 years Rich proudly drove school bus for Bellaire Public Schools, while also selling real estate locally for Real Estate One. 

Rich was also active in the community as a volunteer deputy for the Bellaire Police Department, a long-time member of the Bellaire Village Council, the local Lions club, and St. Luke Catholic Church.  He was also a recreational pilot for many years, and loved airplanes. 

On July 1, 2000, Rich married the love of his life, Alice (Hendricks) DeGiuli, who survives.  Also surviving are his children Phil (Christina) DeGiuli of Atlanta, GA, Tim DeGiuli of Bellaire, Rob (Stephanie) Helms of Clarkston, MI, Tiffanie (Jason) Proctor of Spring Hill, KS, Rachelle (Fiancé Genaro Campbell) Helms of Redford, MI, eleven loving grandchildren, Madison, Allison, Grant, Alaina, Mary, Carson, Blake, Harper, Juliana, Summer, and Braelyn.  He was proceeded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles. 

Funeral Services with military honors will be held Friday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  The family will receive friends Thursday, August 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., also at the Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life party will be held after the funeral at the DeGiuli residence.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation at 25200 Telegraph Rd. Ste. 110, Southfield, MI 48033, Dementia Society of America at P.O. BOX 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or FARE at 7901 Jones Branch Dr. Ste. 240, McLean, VA 22102. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com