Sherman R. Massena

Rich was born June 5, 1925, in Illinois to Sherman Grant Massena and Pinnie Belle Chance. Rich passed away February 13, 2015, at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California.

Rich married Lola Leora (Lee) Burnett on January 11, 1948. He had two loving children, a daughter, Sharman Wilson, and a son, Richard Maurice. He is also survived by his son-in-law, former State Senator Bob Wilson, his daughter-in-law, Ellen Massena, his grandson, Robert J. Wilson, M.D. and his spouse, Jessica Wilson, M.D. and granddaughter, Sharman Russell, M.D. and her spouse, Andrew Russell, M.D., and his two twin great-granddaughters, Sarah and Emily Russell.

Rich was employed by Monte Vista High School as their head custodian for over 20 years. He was loved by faculty as well as students. During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines.

The love of his life was his wife, Lee. They were married for 67 years. They enjoyed traveling, cruising, visiting their children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters. The trips they enjoyed the most was to see their granddaughter, Sharman, receive her M.D. degree and their grandson, Robert, receive his M.D. degree. Rich also said that one of the best trips of his life was last September for his two great-granddaughters first birthday.

Rich had several hobbies that he enjoyed. During his 80s, after his granddaughter, Sharman Russell, gave him a computer, he became a computer buff. He had his own Facebook page, emailed his friends, family and played numerous games on the computer. He was also able to Skype with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, giving him enormous pleasure.

Rich was an avid model railroader. It all started when his son-in-law, Bob Wilson, sent him an HO train kit. His hobby morphed into Rich being the owner of several great trains, including the Southern Crescent, and California's famous Daylight. Rich built a complete layout with switches and buildings. One of the family's cherished videos is Rich operating one of his newest trains.

In their younger years, Rich and Lee were avid square dancers and were members of several clubs.

He enjoyed golfing with his son, Rich, and daughter-in-law, Ellen and his wife, Lee. He didn't hit the ball far but it always went straight! He always appreciated the thoughtfulness of Rich and Ellen for taking him golfing often once a week.

Rich and Lee loved to play the penny slots. They were big time gamblers, gambling no more than $100 per outing! Win or lose, they always had a great time. They were often joined in their gambling escapades with Lee's sister, Geneva, and their good friend, Ella. Their comaraderie was worth more than any winnings.

Rich, Lee and her sister, Geneva, were very close. Often they traveled together and Geneva was a great help to Lee caring for Rich. Geneva's son, Steve Rizzuto, and his wife, Kim, were also very close to Rich. Steve even built a platfrom to help Rich get in and out of bed.

Rich and Lee were lucky that their son and his wife lived next door and are gourmet cooks. As a result, they were treated to many five star dinners. Rich's son was always available to help when he was needed. Rich was always proud of his son's accomplishments at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Richard retired after 38 years from the Park as head animal hospital keeper.

Rich's daughter-in-law, Ellen, has compiled great family memories on video of the important milestones in Rich and Lee's life. Rich and Lee and the whole family have enjoyed watching these videos over the years. Ellen missed her calling as a film director and editor!

Rich was quite a craftsman. Out of wine corks he made trivets, animals, coasters and Christmas wreaths. What was really neat about it was he signed the bottom of the trivets with his name, date and "Made in the USA".

Rich's son-in-law, Bob, and his daughter, Sharman, are both avid fly fishermen. They both taught Rich how to fly fish. He quickly learned the sport and spent days fishing around the Yellowstone area. Rich and Lee owned a home in Gardiner, Montana, at the entrance to Yellowstone Park that gave Rich the opportunity to fish many trout streams.

Rich and Lee were doting grandparents. Their grandchildren, Robert and Sharman, grew up in Driggs, Idaho, and Rich and Lee moved there to be close to them. They attended virtually every sporting event for both grandchildren from first grade on. When their grandson pitched in college, they even traveled to Florida and Arizona to see him pitch.

During his long illness, Lee was with him every day and sometimes 24 hours a day. They had a wonderful marriage.

Rich was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on February 21, 2015, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park. Visitation at 11 a.m. and services at 1:30 p.m.