Calvin Peter Riche

Calvin Peter Riche died on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at his home in Mandeville, Louisiana, following a brief illness. He was 92. A native of New Orleans and resident of St. Bernard Parish for 20 years and of Braithwaite (Plaquemines Parish) for 20 years. Preceded in death by his parents, Desire Bernard Riche, Jr. and Olivia Roques Riche, as well as brothers, Cedric, Roy, Lloyd, and Claude. Survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marion Gumina Riche and his daughter, Diane M. Riche, as well as his brother, Elwood, and sister, Eloise Riche Vidal. Also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.

Mr. Riche attended St. Cecilia Catholic School and was a graduate of Holy Cross High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, serving on the USS Cullman in the Pacific Theater and returned to active duty during the Korean War, stationed in Hawaii. Mr. Riche could recount in great detail stories from his service years, of which he was extremely proud. A member of the National WWII Museum, he celebrated his 90th birthday at a surprise party with family and friends at the Stage Door Canteen.

During his career, he built a very successful contracting business, constructing hundreds of homes in the Metropolitan area. With his beloved wife Marion, and good friend and business partner, Jim Brown, he established The Locker, women’s retail clothing stores, in Chalmette, Slidell, and Covington. During his lifetime Mr. Riche was a self-less, giving man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to both family and strangers in need. His efforts following Hurricane Betsy to assist flood victims and rebuild homes in St. Bernard were never forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00PM. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com