Richard Donald Chaney

Richard Donald Chaney, aged 91, of Shelby Twp., passed away peacefully on July 14, 2023.

Richard was born on July 9, 1932, to beloved parents Morley and Elsie Chaney in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Edwin C. Denby High School in 1950 before proudly joining the United States Air Force. Richard served his country with dedication and honor during the Korean War.  After his time in the service, Royal Typewriters hired him to repair their products in business offices. It was there he saw a computer, and realizing they were the future, went to Los Angeles to learn programming.  However, the computer was not the only thing that caught his eye in one of the offices.  It was there he met the love of his life,  Margaret(Marge) Insley. They married on February 13, 1965, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Southfield, Michigan. Together they would raise four beloved children: Diane, Carol, Susan and Michael.  Richard cherished his title of ‘Dad’ and was overjoyed later in life when he and Marge would become grandparents to eight grandchildren.  Richard began working in 1966 in the Research Labs at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan as a computer programmer. While at General Motors he would go back to school at Lawrence Institute of Technology, earning his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management Degree in 1973.  He retired from General Motors in 2004, after 37 years.  Richard never tired of learning, continued to teach himself new skills and avidly to kept up with new technology. He was a member of Toastmasters and a Real Estate Agent in his ‘spare time’. Upon retiring he and Marge travelled, enjoying cruises and memorable trips (including Australia).  They loved to visit the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron and watch the freighters sail along the St. Claire River.

Beloved father of Diane (Tom) Murphy, Carol (Paul) Vandeberghe, Susan (Ken) Setera, and Michael (Amy) Chaney; proud grandfather of Patrick Murphy, Brooke Vandeberghe, Cole Vandeberghe, Austin Vandeberghe, Brittany Setera, Ethan Setera, Carter Chaney and Griffin Chaney.  He is also survived by many loving family and friends. Reunited with his beloved wife Marge, and his parents Morley and Elsie, Richard will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Service to be held on Saturday July 29th at St. Ephrem Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, Instate/gathering time, at 10:00 am, mass at 11:00.  Luncheon to be held at the American Legion Post 351 46146 Cass Ave. Utica, MI 48317. All are invited to this to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the American Legion, Post 351 can accept cash or check donations in dad's memory.

Checks can be made out to:

American Legion, Post 351, Inc. 46146 Cass Avenue Utica, Michigan 48318