“I guess I was lucky. I was a high school dropout, but my success over the years has left me with a lot to give away.” – Robert “Dick” Deskovick

As a Morris Township resident for close to 70 years and self-proclaimed patriot who reads the Constitution regularly, Robert “Dick” Deskovick knows that giving to others in need is essential to good citizenry. Whether it’s helping his favorite waitress at the local diner to catch up on bills, buying a new ambulance for the local squad in town or supporting high priority needs at Morristown Medical Center, Dick is quick to listen and eager to help those around him.

The 94-year-old Foundation for Morristown Medical Center honorary trustee and Washington Partner* knows he has many reasons to count his blessings. “I’ve lived a charmed life,” said Dick. “I don’t know how I traveled the world, accomplished so much, and did so well; I guess I was lucky. I was a high school dropout, but my success over the years has left me with a lot to give away.”

Dick’s connection to Morristown Medical Center began when his good friend, the late Joseph Goryeb, asked him to consider supporting the hospital.

He didn’t think twice about stepping in and lending a helping hand and, over the last ten years, has donated nearly $7 million to support the medical center.

The Deskovick family’s latest gift of $1.7 million launched the Dick, Jackie and Kim Deskovick Joint Faculty Nurse Educator Program, an immersive education model for nurses in which highly experienced, hospital-based joint faculty nurse educators teach clinical skills to novice nurses in the hospital setting while also helping seasoned nurses further develop their practice skills.

The Deskovicks’ support for the program has made it possible to hire four nurses with advanced degrees, each with respective clinical expertise in pediatrics, the pediatric emergency department, mother-baby and labor and delivery.

“I appreciate what Morristown Medical Center has done for my family – it means a lot to me,” said Dick. “I am especially grateful for how well they cared for my wife. It gives me a lot of pride to see our family’s name at the hospital and know we have made an impact.”

Calculating his return on investment is second nature to this self-made successful businessman and philanthropist. He knows his generosity fuels a vision made possible through collective effort, and everyone in the community plays a part in helping to maintain the remarkable reputation that Morristown Medical Center holds today.

To support nursing at Morristown Medical Center, contact Joette Rosato, director of annual giving, at 973-593-2412.

*Washington Partners are donors who have given $1 million or more over their lifetime.