Richard Earl Maurer

MAURER, Richard, E. Richard E. Maurer, "Gramps", age 75, of Sterling Heights, MI, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023. He had done everything there was to do. Richard Earl Maurer was born June 16, 1948, in Detroit, MI, the son of Walter and Marie (Parker) Maurer. He was the second eldest of four devoted sons and graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1966. In November 1967, Richard joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, where he was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals before being honorably discharged and returning home to Michigan. While working as a clerk at a bank, he was given the opportunity to pursue his interest in computers and learned to program in COBOL. He attended evening programs at Schoolcraft College to strengthen his knowledge, earning an associate's degree in applied science, and began work as a programmer. His life's next great adventure was even more important, when in 1975, at the age of only 27, he and Patricia Marie Barac were wed. Richard become father to Victor Barac, Cindy Barber, Linda Harp, Mary Barac Loughlin, and Carrie (Rick) Ebarb. Four of the five were already in their teens, and during these crucial years and in the many years that would follow, he offered strength, advice, and guidance, ushering them into adulthood and standing beside and behind them through challenges, children (his grandchildren), and everything else life would send. When he began to welcome grandchildren and eventual great grandchildren, he loved them unconditionally by encouraging their interests, fostering their gifts, and showing appreciation for their unique personalities. In 1984, when granddaughter Christine was only 2 years old, she and her brother Victor would come to visit and stay a while. A little while became a little while longer, and eventually, in July of 1990, when Christine was 7 years old and Victor 6, Richard legally adopted them as his children, though they had belonged to him in heart and spirit much earlier, and forever will. Within a year, his wife Pat's health started to decline. She passed 26 months later, and Richard was left to raise two children on his own. Amid full-time work and absent of his partner, he sacrificed so that his children could lead their fullest of lives and enjoy his full support. Richard was a giver. He routinely sacrificed those hobbies he may have taken personal pleasure in to care for those he loved. He had purpose in helping family and friends and was always willing to provide without hesitation. In more recent years, his faith and goodness were rewarded when he happily married Deborah Ann Laverty on July 7, 2007, in a ceremony in Frankenmuth, MI, before their assembled family and friends. They would be married for 16 years, with his kindness extending to her family and vice-versa. They loved and persisted through good times and hard times, illness and health, laughter and sadness. To those who loved Richard, seeing the happiness and love he found with Deborah was the greatest reward we could imagine for his lifetime of charity and selflessness. Richard brought peace and kindness into the lives of all those who crossed paths with him. He was the greatest of men, and we were lucky to share the earth with him. To help his family during this difficult time, please share your photos and stories of him (you can upload them on this website using the "Tribute Wall" and "Photos & Videos" tabs above). He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and her children Kirsten, Jeff, and John; 7 children, Christine Waters of Honolulu, HI, Victor (Elissa) Maurer of Mount Prospect, IL, Victor Barac of Panama City, FL, Cynthia Lynn Barber of Lafayette, TN, Linda Harp of Cookville, TN, Mary Barac Loughlin of Sugar Hill, GA, and Carrie (Rick) Ebarb of Woodstock, GA; 8 grandchildren, Jillian, Julie, Kim (Ben), Lacey, Leo, Lisa (Adam), Madeleine, Wendy; nephew Lee and his children Leesha and Sung, niece Brandi (John) and her two sons Daniel and Joseph, 2 brothers, Roger (Yvonne) Maurer of Orleans, MI, and Tony (Laura) Purcell of Sterling Heights, MI; and 7 great-grandchildren, Ashton, Christian, Graham, Heather, Kaylie, Raquel, Salem; as well as other cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat, his brothers Lloyd and Jim, and his parents. A Memorial Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 22, at 2:30pm followed by the Memorial Service at 4:30pm, at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd). All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, think of a person who needs your help and do your best to lift their burden. It's what he would have done, and what he will continue to do as he watches over us. With love, His family.

Richard Earl Maurer

June 16, 1948 - June 29, 2023