Richard Don Means

Richard (Don) Means, 86, of DuBois,  passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025.

Don was born June 16, 1938, at home in Vandergrift, PA to Laurie J. Means and Dorothy M. (Kelly) Means. He married Sara Diane Jeffries on November 23, 1960, at the First Baptist Church of

Punxsutawney having enjoyed 65 years together.

Don graduated from Vandergrift High School in May 1956. He received a BS Degree in English from Clarion State College in 1960, a Master’s Degree in Education/Guidance Counselor from Indiana University in 1964, a PhD in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973, and a School Superintendent’s Letter from Youngstown State University in 1979. 

Throughout his career Don lived and worked in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as an English Teacher and Guidance Counselor, for the PA Department of Education as Assistant Director for the Educational Development Center at Clarion State College, and Assistant Director to the PA State Center for Year-round Education. He developed a “Planning Model for Change” during this tenure and presented his research in order to obtain his PhD.  Don then moved on to Director of Curriculum Services, Assistant Executive Director, and Executive Director of Intermediate Unit 6, Shippenville, from which he retired in 1998.  During his career Don served on many and varied local and state educational committees and boards.

Don’s interests and hobbies included golfing, sports of all kinds, hunting, snow-skiing all over the USA and Canada, and traveling the USA and abroad with his wife, Diane. For twenty-two years Don and his wife enjoyed spending time boating, fishing and water skiing with family at their camp on the Mahoning Creek near the Allegheny River.  Don and his wife also enjoyed many years living in Treasure Lake, Dubois, PA. He was a member of the Masons, 32nd degree, Garfield Lodge #559, Dubois, and served as President of the Dubois Community Center Board. He attended and was a member of Dubois Lakeside Methodist Church.

Don is survived by his wife, one brother, Larry (Janet) Means, three sisters-in-law: Karen Todd, Sandra Jeffries and Colleen Jeffries, and one brother-in-law, Paul (Leslie) Jeffries. He is survived by two children: Jeffrey D. (Michelle) Means of Erie, PA, Laurie B. (Rich) Durzo  of Plum, PA, and one stepdaughter, Suze Bristol of Durango, CO.  He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kyle Means and fiancée Ashley Moyak , Kayleigh Means, Konner (Maggie) Means, Christian Kamenic, Erin (Garrett) Smith; Two step-grandchildren: Jonathon and Jason Smith; three great-grandchildren: Charlie and Lillie Means, and Emmie Smith; one nephew, Kevin (Gretta) Means, and one niece Tammy (Tom) Byrne 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Robert Jeffries, Jr. and David Todd, and one step-granddaughter, Sarah Henry.

As per Don’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.  Arrangements entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsuatwney.

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