Obituaries

It is with broken hearts we announce the death of Richard William Dalimonte, 84, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan, and Marana, Arizona, who passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. He was born on February 23, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie to Henry and Sue Dalimonte.

Rich was a talented musician who spent several years traveling with road bands, but he ultimately returned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he resumed playing music and captivating audiences with his guitar and his voice. His musical career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. Initially stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was later
deployed to Vietnam, where he served in combat. After his time in the military, he returned once
more to the Sault, where he continued to delight and entertain fun-loving folk. For much of that time, Rich and his band performed regularly at the Belvedere Ship Lounge, also known as “The Ship,” bringing romance, laughter, and joy to countless regulars.

In the latter part of his life, Rich joined the Department of Corrections where he worked
diligently and effectively, ultimately retiring as Inspector at the Kinross Correctional Facility. After his retirement and being relatively young, he and his beloved wife Linda spent six months a year in Marana for over 21 wonderful years.

With his quick wit, humility, talent, and story-telling skill, Rich continued to entertain others throughout his life. A devoted family man to the end, his children learned what it meant to love, to be loyal, and to have character. His spirit lives on in their hearts. Now the angels in Heaven are being entertained by the man and his guitar. There’ll be “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (Elvis) because “it could be that the good Lord loves a little pickin’ too,” (Tom T. Hall).

Rich is survived by his wife, Linda (Peake), and his children: Richard T. Dalimonte (Samantha),
Danielle Dalimonte Merckling (Eric), and Lisa Dalimonte Lynn (Michael); and his seven
grandchildren: Richard W., Frank, Henry, Ethan, Amico, Ava, and Grady.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sue Dalimonte.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Christopher Columbus Hall on Sunday, July 27, from 1- 4pm. Please bring your favorite stories, joyful memories and reflections as we honor Rich’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” (Dr. Seuss)

Family Life Funeral Homes, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.