Richard Raczka

His grandparents on both sides emigrated from Poland in the early 1890’s. Edwin, AKA Tony was his only sibling. Tragedy struck the family early in Tony and Richard’s life. On July 24th 1938 both of their parents were killed in an automobile accident. Richard was in the backseat of that car, suffering a broken collarbone. He was only 18 at the time. How was I spared? Richard would ask himself for the rest of his life.

Richard was drafted into WWII but before leaving he married the love of his life, Louise Hermansen. The army sent Richard overseas to Italy. One of his fondest memories was when he was stationed in Italy he was able to visit the Vatican and had his rosary beads kissed and blessed by the Pope himself.

When the war was over Richard and Louise settled down in Oak Park, Illinois but after Louise’s parents moved to California he moved his family out West also. The family made their home in Fullerton, California and raised two children, Rick and Karen. Richard made his living working for Hughes aircraft as a machinist and later as a computer programmer. In his spare time Richard loved to golf and also spent many years coaching/helping with youth baseball leagues. Sadly just as it was about time for him to retire he lost his wonderful wife Louise to cancer.

Richard eventually moved to Laguna Woods and enjoyed the golf courses and spent almost every day at the local stable drinking the coffee and visiting the horses.

Richard passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family Sunday, January 9th 2011. He is survived by his son Rick and Rick’s wife Sandy, along with Rick’s children Jennifer and Christy Raczka. His daughter Karen Markuson and her husband Kim and their children, Lindsay and Sean-Paul Crawford, Chris Welch, Andy Markuson and Courtney Markuson.

If you were lucky enough to know Richard, you knew he was famous for his one liners. In fact when his caregiver Julieta told him frequently how pretty his eyes were he would smile and say "oh, I will give you one".

Or in his Golden years if you asked him how he was doing he would say "still kickin….. just not as high".

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.