Retired Colonel Richard A. Daddona, Jr., age 85, of Skippack, PA passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026—by coincidence, while the sound of “Taps” was playing on a TV in the background.

Dick was born in Harrisburg, PA on November 21, 1940, the son of Richard A. and Elvira (Durante) Daddona. The family moved to Norristown, and he graduated from Norristown High School where he played football, wrestled, golfed, and played baseball. He continued his academic and athletic endeavors at Albright College where he wrestled and competed as the number one golfer on his Albright squad. He graduated in 1962 with a degree in Economics.

Dick enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in November of 1962 and soon completed Infantry Training. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before completing Officer Candidate School in 1965. After two decades of impressive leadership, he was promoted to Colonel on January 21, 1988. He remained at this rank until his retirement in January of 1992. At the federal level, Dick is recognized as a Retired Colonel, but in the state of Pennsylvania he is recognized as a Brigadier General.

Throughout his career, Dick commanded at multiple levels. He first led Bravo Company, 1st BN 111th Infantry, then commanded the 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment which is often referred to as Ben Franklin’s Regiment or Franklins Associators. He went on to Command the 56th Infantry Brigade of the 28th Infantry Division out of Philadelphia. During his military tenure, Dick received many awards including the Order of Saint Maurice, Primicerius Level, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the 20-year service medal with silver star, plus the Meritorious Service Medal, to name a few.

Upon retirement from the Army, Dick worked for a decade as an administrator at the Spring City Veteran’s Center where he endeavored to provide each Veteran with the utmost care and respect.  Finally, he transitioned to a part-time position at Skippack Golf Course where, thanks to his military precision, he excelled as a starter. 

While his military accomplishments are a source of lasting pride, at heart, he was a kind, thoughtful, quiet leader who was loyal and endlessly supportive of those in his inner circle. He built friendships in his quiet way, and he loved to tell stories about his children to whoever would listen. He took immense pride in coaching his sons in Little League, cheering on his daughter from the sidelines, and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys in the heart of Eagles country. He excelled in sport himself and loved to tell tales of the “good ol’ days” at Norristown High, his undefeated 12-0 football season, and the best times he shared with his brother and their friends.

Dick was an enthusiastic donor to the ASPCA and was never without a dog by his side. Some even suspect that he loved his dogs more than many humans. He also loved his days playing Joe Black Sunoco fast-pitch softball, gardening in the backyard, and anything magnetic. And his lifelong allegiance to Subaru is likely the only thing that lasted longer than his military career

He is survived by his loving companion of 19 years, Gia Molinaro of Skippack, PA; son, Steven (Kathy) Daddona of Robesonia, PA; daughter, Sue (Mik) Aoki of Richmond, VA; son, David (Jennifer) Daddona of East Coventry, PA; brother, Carl (the late Laurie) Daddona of Collegeville, PA; and nine grandchildren: Kate, AJ, Trevor, Kai, Bryn, Reese, Aubree, Declan and Delaney. 

Dick’s Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 11:00 AM at St. Eleanor’s Catholic Church, 647 Locust St., Collegeville, PA 19426.  Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation, also on April 7, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the Church prior to Mass.

Interment will be private, at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org) or The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).