Obituary of Richard J. Premo

Premo, Richard "Rich" J. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2015 with his loving husband by his side. He was 69 years old. Richard Justin Premo was born on July 31, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Justin Richard and Geraldine (Davis) Premo. He spent 12 years dodging the Sisters of Mercy at St. Andrew Elementary and High School. Rich served his country in the United States Army and visited South East Asia in 1968, returning to Saginaw a year later. He joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in the early 70's working in Chicago and Warren, Ohio where he worked on community improvements (electricity, water, sewers, and fire hydrants). Rich finally finished college in 1974 and taught in Bridgeport and Saginaw schools. He also sold micro computers for 10 years. His favorite colors are gold and blue, which just happen to be Notre Dame's colors. Rich married the love of his life and partner for 36 years, Douglas S. Harrington on August 13, 2015; he survives him. He has many heroes: his mom and dad; Bob Dylan; John and Bobby Kennedy; Martin Luther King; John the XXIII; Mark Twain; Kurt Vonnegut; Al Kaline; Thomas Merton and many more. Rich was the very first President and CEO of Hidden Harvest, which allowed him to drive a truck anytime he wanted to. He has been with Hidden Harvest for 18 years and it has grown from a small office housed at the Good Neighbors Mission in Saginaw to a new building with 8,000 square feet of warehouse space. The first year of existence, Hidden Harvest distributed 54,000 pounds of surplus food. Today, Hidden Harvest serves Bay, Midland and Saginaw County and distributes more than 2.5 million pounds of food yearly. Since 1994, Hidden Harvest has distributed more than 27 million pounds of food to agencies in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Rich was totally committed to Hidden Harvest. Surviving are his beloved husband, Douglas S. Harrington of Saginaw; a sister-in-law, Joan Premo and her sons: Ben Premo and Anthony (Danielle) Premo; nephews: Rick (Nikki) Milks and Wade (Sue) Milks. Also surviving are many great nieces and nephews; his cat, Jack; as well as so many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother: Jackie, Mary Jane and Michael; and his dog, Gus and cat, Elliot. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Christ the Good Shephard Catholic Parish, St. Andrew Church, 612 N. Michigan Ave. Rev. Fr. Ronald F. Wagner and Rev. Fr. Robert S. Golm will concelebrate. Rite of Committal and Military Honors under the auspices of the United States Army and VFW Post #1859 will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeland. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Rich will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Hidden Harvest, 940 E. Genesee Ave. #2, Saginaw, Michigan, 48607. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.