Richard Lee Fishel

Richard Lee Fishel, 84, died on Monday, July 27, in West Covina, CA  Richard was born in Clare, MI, on September 6, 1941, the son of the late Bernard and Maxine (Sowle) Fishel.  Many happy times were spent with his grandparents and Michigan cousins. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI.  His first job was a bank messenger, then worked for a short time at the Saginaw News newspaper. He enlisted in the Air Force and was close to completing boot camp in Texas when he was medically discharged. A retail advertising job took him, his former spouse Karen (Simon) Todd, and young son Rick to the Kankakee Daily Journal, IL. While working there he had several other second jobs but was most proud of and would often talk about his time spent as an auxiliary police officer for the Kankakee Police Department. Brian was born and they were off to warmer weather in Southern California where he started working at the Los Angeles Harold Examiner selling advertising. He then continued selling advertising in Pasadena, CA, for the Pasadena Star News. Many sales opportunities in different industries came for Richard and he made many friends with his honesty and fairness. Richard was a storyteller and liked to tease family and friends. Going to sons’ and grandkids’ activities was high on list of priorities. He loved dogs, looking at old cars and buying new ones, roadtrips back to the Midwest to visit family, and playing card games with friends. Richard was a member of the LaVerne Church of the Brethren. In previous years he served as a deacon, greeter, usher, and pew cleaner.    Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years Joyce (Deitsch), son Rick, grandsons Blake and Chaz (Katie), granddaughter Peyton, great grandsons Kody, Luke, and another on the way.   Preceding him in death were son Brian and brother Kent.     A celebration  of life will be held at Oakdale Memorial Park, Glendora, on August 24 at 10:00 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to City of Hope, Duarte. ◦