Richard David Sabaugh

Richard D. Sabaugh passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born on January 8, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to Sam (who immigrated from Lebanon) and Alice (Suffety) Sabaugh Richard is survived by his five children: Richard (the late Vicki), Michael (Rashell), Renee (Todd), Jeanine (Rick) and Matthew (Rachel), 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In addition to his children, Richard is survived by his brothers Fred (Donna) Sam (Sue) sister Jeannie (Joe) Tramontin and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death are his dear parents Sam and Alice and his former wife Carmella (Visconti) Sabaugh. Richard was raised in the Catholic faith and graduated from St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Highland Park. He graduated from Wayne State University and taught English and Journalism for many years at Detroit Public Schools and Cousino High School in Warren. After his teaching career, Richard served as an elected official on the Warren City Council and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. His writing and journalism skills allowed him to be very successful as a political consultant for various candidates at the local, county, and state levels. He successfully helped elect countless candidates in various positions across Macomb County and the Detroit region. Mr. Sabaugh was highly regarded in Michigan political circles and was often consulted by candidates and quoted by local and national media. Richard had an amazing insight into the needs and values of middle-class voters in Macomb County. He was even quoted in bestselling political books and publications. Richard served as the Deputy Public Works Commissioner for Macomb County and retired in 2020 as Public Service Director for the City of Warren- after over a half century of public service. Richard loved a good campaign and especially enjoyed working for the underdog candidate. He supported Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. Richard inspired his family members to participate in politics and started the Sabaugh family legacy of public service. In 1969, as a young councilman, Richard ran for Mayor and lost in a very close election to incumbent Mayor Ted Bates He helped elect his former wife Carmella Sabaugh to the Warren City Council, Warren City Clerk and then Macomb County Clerk. Richard also helped his older brother Fred get elected to the Warren City Council and his younger brother Sam get elected to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Richard was respected by political friends and foes alike. He enjoyed reading, writing, discussing history and politics and watching sports. He will be remembered for his wisdom, courage, talent, humor and many accomplishments. Above all his professional accomplishments, Richard was most proud of his family’s successes and often attended the sporting events of his many talented grandchildren. Visitation Thursday 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook @ WujekCalcaterra.com

Richard David Sabaugh

January 8, 1938 - August 29, 2024