Richard Alan De Masi

Richard Alan de Masi was born in Berkeley, California to Henri Armand de Masi and Martha Grace Wiotte-de Masi. He passed over to the Loving Arms of The Lord Jesus Christ on August 18, 2011 at 3:00pm, with Nanette & Kevin by his side. He spent the last months of his life in the loving care of his daughter, Nanette Riedeman, at her home, in Merced.

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, as well as his brothers, Robert de Masi, Henri de Masi, and his sister, Ina Grace. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-Law Roscoe Harold Teets and mother-in-Law Alta Maude Gammon-Teets.

He is survived by his daughter, Nanette Lynelle de Masi-Riedeman, Son-in-Law, Kevin Scott Riedeman, and Granddaughter, Emily Nicole Riedeman, all of Merced.

As a child, Richard spent most of his childhood in Jackson Heights, NY, and Portage, PA. His first job was with his Uncle Joe in the Coal Mines, working in a 3' shaft, 300' down. He was paid 50 cents per flat car, full of coal (lying on his side, shoveling coal). He made a whole $1.50 that day and made up his mind that he would never be a coal miner!

Richard joined the Military at the age of 15, in April of 1946 serving in the U.S. Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force, Overseas Service (Pacific Theater, 5th Air Force, Occupation Forces in Japan, 20th Weather Squadron) for 14 months. Islands & Countries during his tour of duty included: Hickam Army Airfield, Honolulu; Johnston Atoll Islands; Kwajelien Island Army Airfield; Andersen Airfield, Guam; Okinawa; Henderson Field, Guadalcanal; Clark Airfield, Manila, Philippines; Tsingtao Airfield, Shanghai, China; Kimpo Airfield, Seoul, Korea; plus all 3 of the main islands of Japan, and all at the very old age of 16! He achieved the rank of Sgt., and was very proud of his accomplishments as such a young age! He was medically discharged in 1952 for injuries received while on duty.

He was honored, as a Veteran, with a trip to the Washington DC "WWII Memorial" in November 2010.

In 1959, Richard graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff and then a Detective. He received a special commendation from the City of Lakewood for saving the life of a drowning child in 1959. He worked the first 12 years as a uniformed patrol deputy and then as a plain-clothes detective. He fought in two major riots (Watts Riot in 1965 for 10 days; and the East LA Riot in 1968 for 4 days). He handled many high priority cases during his career as a detective. He proudly served the citizens of Los Angeles County until his retirement in 1980.

Richard moved to Mariposa after his retirement, a place he called "God's Country". He custom built his home on top of a hill with 360 degree views.

Richard enjoyed electronics, working with radios and transistors in the 50's & 60's, re-loading bullets, cleaning his guns, target shooting, competing in shooting matches and earning the title of Expert Marksman, collecting guns and coins, traveling to gun shows with Harold, being a licensed gun dealer, going to the movies, shopping for bargains, reading Guns & Ammo & Shotgun News, camping, hunting & fishing, reminiscing about the old times, activities with his service organizations, and watching WWII movies. He also loved cars & kittens.

Richard was involved in numerous service organizations since the 1950's. These include: Lakewood Junior Chamber of Commerce as State Director; 36 years-Lakewood Masonic Lodge #728 as Tiler; 40 years-American Legion; Mariposa County Grand Jury as Foreman; Mariposa Rotary Club; Mariposa Lion's Club; Mariposa Fish & Game Club; Life Member-Mariposa Veterans of Foreign Wars and on the Honor Guard for 1 year; 8 years-Mariposa Masonic Lodge #24 as Tiler, Marshal, and Senior Deacon; 15 years-Fresno Scottish Rite 32 degree Mason as Wise Master-Chapter Rose Croix; 3 years-Fresno Shriners of North America as Chaplain & Legion of Honor Commander (2005 & 2010); 15 years-Tri-County Scottish Rite Club as President for 2 years; 11 years-Merced/Mariposa Shrine Club and Chaplain for 4 years; 6 years-Hornitos Masonic Lodge as Tiler (receiving his 50 year pin in July 2010); Life Member-Veteran's of Underage Military Service, as California State Commander for 3 years; Life Member-Disabled American Veterans; and 3 years-Sojourners (Masonic Veterans) as 1st Vice President.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Last Hope Cat Kingdom @ 6660 Bailey Avenue, Atwater, CA 95301. (209) 357-5425, or online @ www.lasthopesanctuary.org. This is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization operating as the ONLY no-kill animal sanctuary in the Merced area. Donations can be made online or by check.

Services are under the direction of Stratford Evan's Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26th, 2011 from 5-8pm, and funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 27th, 2011 @ 11:00am.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.