Richard A. De Los Santos, 88 passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loved ones by his side on November 13, 2019, after a lengthy illness.
Richard was born in Los Ebanos, Hidalgo, Texas in 1931 to Ramon and Felipa De Los Santos. Shortly after his birth and while following seasonal crops from Northern to Southern California, his family decided to settle in Ventura County.
As a young man in 1952, he joined the United States Army, fighting in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and shortly after started dating the girl next door and love of his life, Emily Mijarez. They married shortly after and started a family of their own. Richard worked as a landscaper for Mound Nursery where his love of gardening grew and grew.
In 1968, he became a member of the Cement Masons Local No. 600 for over 50 years, retiring in 1993. He loved music, singing, playing guitar and accompanying his wife Emily in perfect harmony. He loved BBQ’s, family gatherings and vacation, The Dodgers (win or lose), but, above all he loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Richard was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Manual, Antonio, and Marcelino; sisters: Carmen and Anita; and his beloved grandson, Michael.
He is survived by his wife Emily De Los Santos; children: Frances (Michael) Tamayo, Ventura, Velerie (Dave) Hefterich, of Ventura, Virginia (Larry) Reyes, Santa Paula, Richard (Juan Garibay) De Los Santos, of Fillmore; Sisters: Julia Apricio, Mary Garcia, Frances De Los Santos, and Gloria De Los Santos; grandchildren: Nichole, Melissa, and Richard Tamayo, of Ventura, Steven (Ashley) Reyes, of Santa Paula,
Christopher (Akane) Reyes, Delmare, of New York; and 13 great grandchildren: Samantha, Andrew, Shyann, Anthony, Joseph, River, Sophia, Leihla, Damian, Maverick, Michael, Adam, and Akihiro. And last, but not least, his beloved buddy’s Trixie and Mercutio (Merky).
The family would like to extend their heart felt gratitude to his care givers Juanita Guerrero, Maria Sanchez, Terri Hernandez, along with Assisted Hospice staff Steve Snyder, Helen Zimmon, and Gonzalo Mendez Casares for their care of our father and us as a family.
In addition, thank you to Deacon Humberto Guzman and Francisca Guzma.
Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 7:30 p.m. in JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 10:00 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura. Celebration of Life Reception to follow at Biederman Hall.