Richard was born in Deckerville and grew up on the family farm. Upon graduation, he set out to see the world while serving in the United States Army. After basic training, he was first stationed in Sendai, Japan where he met Nami Watanabe. On April 2, 1957, they were married in Tokyo, Japan and began their life together. Richard was transferred back stateside to Ft. Riley, Kansas, where he and Nami started their family. They spent 3 years stationed in France before returning back to the states at Ft. Shafter, Hawaii. After leaving the island, Richard and his family started to make their way home back to Michigan. Their first stop in the Midwest was Ft. Sheridan, IL. While stationed here, Richard was deployed to Vietnam while the family stayed in Waukegan, IL. Richard received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in Vietnam. Upon returning in 1970, he and his family moved to Fraser in their forever home. Richard was deployed to Germany for one year while the family resided in Fraser. Richard retired from the United States Army in 1974 as a Master Sergeant and was recognized for 22 years of honorable service. Richard also worked in several local businesses before his final retirement in 2000.
Richard was passionate about golf and bowling. He was a member of the Sunnybrook Golf Club and enjoyed many rounds with the friends he made there. He was also an avid US Coin Collector.
Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nami (Watanabe); their daughters, Patricia Rivlin, Mary (Herman) Yee, Joanne (Steve) Roskowski; grandchildren, Brian Rivlin, Natalie Rivlin, Garrett (Lisa) Yee, Emily Yee, Sarah Yee, Stephanie Roskowski, Christine Roskowski, Robert Roskowski; great-grandchildren, Keira and Hudson Yee; his sister, Shirley Vivian DeBono; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth, Robert, Donald and Douglas.
A military service and burial will be scheduled at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442. A celebration of Richard’s life will also take place in the near future.
