Richard R. Resendez, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed peacefully on June 21, 2010 surrounded by his inner circle of family and friends. He was 78 years old.
In his early beginnings, his family hit hard times and he was sent to an orphanage as a teenager to Saint Boniface Indian School in Banning, CA. Facing adversity at a young age pressed him to succeed through determination and hard work. His first major achievement as an adult was graduating from San Bernardino High School in 1949. He immediately pursued and attained an Associate’s Degree at San Bernardino Valley College.
Those accolades, coupled with a strong sense of patriotism enabled him to start an apprenticeship as an aircraft electrician at March Air Force Base, CA. He later worked at the North Island Naval Aviation Depot as an aircraft planner and estimator with a career culminating 33 years of service to his country.
His additional achievements centered on selfless acts of support for his local community. He was an Equal Employment Opportunity Committee representative, supporting upward mobility advancement in the workplace. He was also a member and President of the San Diego Chapter of the American G.I Form, a congressionally chartered Hispanic veteran and civil rights organization serving as a scholarship fundraiser. He vigorously motivated his sons to pursue a higher education, and maximize their potential to become contributors of society in the highest order. He was an avid supporter of the Committee on Chicano Rights, an influential state wide civil rights organization. He is survived by his 4 sons, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. The community and all who knew him will dearly miss him.
Services – viewing on Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 5 to 9 p.m. Glen Abby, Bonita Rd. Memorial Mass – Saint Rose de Lima, “H” Street, Chula Vista, CA, – Monday, June 28, 2010, 11:00 a.m. Burial, following the mass at Glen Abby Mortuary, Bonita Rd.