Richard R. Ions, of Simsbury, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013 at his home after a long illness. Dick was born July 14, 1939 in Wilkinsburg, PA. The son of the late Walter Howard Ions and Ruth Laskamp Ions, he loved Pittsburgh (his city of steel) and relished the opportunity to share stories of his time spent there. He was a graduate of Grove City College completing his degree in Metallurgical Engineering. His professional years were spent working for Crucible and Copperweld Steel respectively, and finally Hartford Steam Boiler in the Special Risks Engineering division. During his career with HSB, he was responsible for large account engineering management and developing engineering standards. His primary areas of expertise included iron and steel, aluminum smelting and processing, primary metal working, cement, automotive and other heavy industry manufacturing operations. He also provided extensive technical support for the claims department and conducted root cause failure analysis on major equipment failures. While at HSB, Mr. Ions was a member of the Association of Iron and Steel Technology. He also received the Engineer of the Year Award from the Hartford Chapter of the ASME in 2003. He retired in 2005 after 18 years of service. As one dear friend described, he will be remembered as the “walk softly and carry a big stick” type of guy. He was unfailing in his quest to always do the job to the best of his ability, and had little patience for those that did not adhere to those standards. We loved and respected him for this. He was an avid football fan and was fond of discussing the scores, players, game strategy and Hail Mary’s of his cherished Pittsburgh Steelers. His terrible towel goes with him, gently holding the memories of 44 years of marriage to his beloved wife Mollie and those shared with the light of his life, his daughter Shae. He was a devoted husband and father, and a faithful, compassionate friend to some wonderful people he was fortunate to meet on his life's journey - holding a special place in his heart for Anne and Jerry Kucharski, of Crown Point, Indiana. Their friendship was something he truly treasured. Aside from his wife and daughter, he is survived by his brother-in-law Michael Buckley and wife Wanda of Houston, TX, and the best niece and nephew, Sarah, and David, that anyone could have. Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, February 1st from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, closing with a funeral service at 12 noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury CT 06070 or to any nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of veterans/members of the military and their families. Please visit Dick’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolence. May god’s arms warmly hold our own man of steel. We love you.