Richard Patrick Degnan Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

RICHARD PATRICK DEGNAN Richard Patrick Degnan died December 2, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard was born in Hudson, New York on September 7, 1922. After graduating from Hudson High School, Richard spent four years in the Second Armored Division as a Quartermaster, locating accommodations and supplies for U.S. troops in Europe. Following his military service, Richard graduated from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in Ithaca, NY, and pursued a highly successful career in Hotel Sales and Management, working for Statler, Hilton, The Biltmore, and other major hotel companies around the country for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Cornell Alumna Association, the Hospitality Sales & Management Association International (HSMAi), and the Beverly Hills Lions Club. He attended the Ends of the Earth gala dinner in New York City for many years. Richard married KC Morrison, an artist, in 1955 and together they raised three daughters, Kim, Kate, and Kelly Degnan, who survive him. He remained active in the hotel industry long after he retired, teaching at the hotel schools at Polytechnic in Pomona, California, and in Phoenix, Arizona. His lifetime accomplishments were recognized by many industry awards, including the first Certified Hotel Salesman Executive accreditation conferred in California and induction into the HSMAi Hall of Fame in 2002. Richard had friends throughout the world and cherished his daughters, his two nieces Mary Wall and Margaret Miller, his great-nephew Ryan Wall, and his many dear friends in Phoenix and Hudson. His humor and vitality will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be Saturday August 22, at 10:00am at Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson wit Fr. Winston Bath officiating. Funeral services are coordinated with the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, Hudson, NY. To leave an online condolence visit: www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com

Richard Patrick Degnan

September 7, 1922 - December 2, 2014