Richard Eugene Lazzarevich of Oxnard, California passed away on January 3, 2004 with his family at his side. He was born on January 30, 1923 to Nicholas and Mary Lazzarevich in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from John Marshall High School in 1941 he entered the U.S. Navy and served as a fighter pilot on the aircraft carrier San Jacinto during World War II. He remained active in the Naval Reserve and retired in 1968 with rank of Captain. He was a general building and plumbing contractor for 45 years having served as president of the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association of the Greater Los Angeles area. He was also a past Flotilla Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 72 and past Board of Directors member of Channel Islands Yacht Club. He enjoyed flying, boating, snow skiing, water skiing, golf, travel and spending time with friends and family. He is noted for his quick wit, humor and always lending a helping hand with a smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Paula (Robert) Villaverde: son, Peter (Elizabeth) Lazzarevich; son, Victor Lazzarevich (Karen Thompson); daughter, Valerie (Eric) Matthews; daughter, Melinda Heydon; daughter, Kathleen Heydon (Mark Hoffman); son, John V. Heydon (Mirka Vandall); sister, Diane (Gary) Mitchell; sister-in-law, Marlene Lazzarevich; grandchildren: Timothy Lazzarevich, Nicholas Lazzarevich, Thomas Lazzarevich, Tyler Lazzarevich, Kyle Lazzarevich, Hailey Matthews, Christopher Matthews; nephews Paul Lazzarevich and John Mitchell and nieces, Ann Schureman and Janine Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his first wife Natalie and his brother Jack. Services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2004 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 2511 South "C" Street, Oxnard, CA 93034 followed by a reception at Channel Islands Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Lung Association.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on Jan. 7, 2004

Richard Lazzarevich (1923)