Rick DeBartolo '81

Rick DeBartolo attended St. Pius X elementary school and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1981. During his time at Dowling, he became a two-time state wrestling champion under Coach Darrah, a High School All-American and the Iowa Freestyle State Champion in 1981. Most importantly, he established a strong foundation that would later influence his roles in the church, his family, his career, and all other walks of life. 

Following his graduation from the University of Iowa, he became an assistant wrestling coach for Dowling Catholic, pursued a career in the Insurance industry, and met his wife, Rita, who he has been married to for 30 years. Rick and Rita have three children -  Ricky ’12, Sammy ’14, and Tony ‘17, whom he provided with the same Catholic education experience by sending them to St. Pius X and Dowling Catholic. 

Rick has always maintained a balanced lifestyle with his demanding career and family life. His family fondly remembers him always showing up for sporting and academic events and ensuring he was always at the end of the dinner table. He has inspired each son to chase their dreams, from law school to golf. He believes in each of his children and serves as an example that hard work and faith leads to greatness.

The spirit of Dowling Catholic is exemplified in Rick’s professional life. He has been the leader of the Employee Benefits department, a shareholder, and a senior vice president at LMC for 30 years. He has used this position to mentor young adults, many of whom are DCHS graduates. During his career, Rick played a role in LMC’s merger with the 10th largest insurance agency in the country, Assured Partners. 

Rick has been involved in various charitable organizations and supports Iowa Catholic Radio, Christ our Life, Catholic Charities, and the Dowling Catholic Legacy fund. He has served on the Board of Education at St. Pius, on the Dowling Catholic Foundation Board, as a member of the Diocesan Finance Council and as the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee to renovate St. Pius X Church. His most impactful experience was serving the homeless in Des Moines through Joppa and recruiting family and friends to work alongside him to make a difference in the community through this organization.

What he remembers most about his experiences at DCHS is winning back-to-back state championships in 1980 and 1981. He is thankful for the great coaches and teachers that inspired him to be the best person he could be and pushed him to limits that he would not have achieved without their inspiration. Coaches Bob Darrah, Ron Gray and Mike Skoglund were all great coaches and friends. He loved the enthusiasm at Dowling for students' athletic and educational achievements.He made great friends that today remain some of his  best friends. He is grateful for the Dowling Catholic community that is so unique and special.

In addition to his recognition as a Distinguished Alumni, Rick is also a member of Dowling Catholic’s Athletic Hall of Fame.