Richard Dennis Peglow, 82, was born in LaPorte, Indiana March 4, 1940, to Richard O. Peglow and Katherine (Bigham) and died March 7, 2022.

Dennis, as most people knew him, grew up in LaPorte and would have been a 1958 graduate of LaPorte High School, but joined the U.S. Army from 1957 through 1959, active duty, stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington, and until 1964 in the reserves. After leaving the army in 1959 he lived in Riverside, California for a romantic period, only to return to LaPorte to marry his high-school sweetheart, Mary Ann Marshall, September 2, 1961.

Dennis and Mary Ann lived in Ft. Wayne briefly, then again in LaPorte through 1963. Richard was employed at United States Steel/American Bridge in Indiana in 1964/1965 living in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana before returning to LaPorte to purchase a house.

Dennis and his young family escaped the Indiana winters after the blizzard of 1967 by moving to Tampa, Florida, working several jobs and most importantly, beginning to practice his craft of hand-lettered sign painting. He was also a manager of a Little-League baseball team, that became the champions of West Tampa in 1968 before deciding to return to LaPorte in 1969, just in time to see the moon landing. After brief employment for Acme Signs, and New York Blower (NYB) he started his own company, Peglow Signs in 1970. Peglow Signs eventually became LaPorte's primary source for quality hand-lettered signage such as trucks, walls, windows and custom lettering/striping for show vehicles until 1980. Most Jaycees' July 4th parade vehicles during that tenure were adorned with his banners, letting the large crowds know, in style, who the featured passengers were. LaPorte Slicers baseball and the three Oakland A's World Series teams featured his work at their games and celebrations.

Since 1980, Dennis was primarily a resident of Florida. He was also a seasoned fine artist, always finding the time to make art throughout his life, inspiring others along the way. His art-making (and coffee-drinking) was quite prolific in the last 20+ years, living in Jensen Beach, Florida.

Dennis also loved riding his bicycle, known as the "Schwinn Cab Company", which was his primary mode of transportation for the last two decades. He also loved his music, as he was a fortunate and inquiring 15-year-old, that witnessed first-hand the advent of rock-and-roll in 1955. It was the era of Rock Around The Clock, James Dean-coolness, leading to Link Wray-slink, Santo & Johnny elegance, and customized cars. Dennis may be "real-gone", but he will never be forgotten.

Richard Dennis is survived by a previous wife, Mary Ann (divorced 1980); two children, Richard Bryan Peglow (Sherry), Indianapolis; Deborah Kay Ryan (Tim), Jensen Beach, Florida;  Sister, Sharon Yozman (Jim), a brother, James Peglow, deceased(Yvonne); Richard had eight half-siblings, David (deceased), Donna, Bob (deceased), Kay, Linda (deceased), John (deceased), Charles, and Terri. There are four grandchildren, Kristie Kay Ryan-Kozlik (Andrew); Kyle James Ryan; Sage Milan Bonner (Derek); and Luca Vinci Peglow. There is one great-grandchild, Kaleigh Kay Angela Kozlik. There are many cousins, nieces and nephews and their children that also will miss his heart, humor and talents.

A celebration of life gathering will be announced at a later date. The family wishes to lovingly acknowledge all of those that have crossed his path -- briefly or at length -- navigating the long and winding road. Chances are very likely that he made you smile, laugh, or want to be creative.