Richard Grant Brereton, a proud veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and longtime resident of Chula Vista, California, passed away on January 23, 2022. Dick, as he was known to many, was born October 12, 1928 to Richard and Tella (Boren) Brereton in Provo, Utah on his grandfather’s farm. He attended Lincoln High School in Provo.
At the age of 17, Dick enlisted in the US Navy. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of LCDR. As part of this service, Dick served 2 tours in Korea and 3 tours in Vietnam. He was a Quarter Master General 1 in charge of supplies, ship’s Captain, UDT Frogman, UDT/BUDS Instructor, SEAL Team 1 XO and an Instructor for Hard Hat Diving 2nd Class.
In his 31 years of service, Dick was awarded 3 Bronze Stars 1 with Valor, 1 Purple Heart, 1 Combat Action, 4 Good Conduct, 3 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, Navy Unit Citation, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Campaign with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy Rifle Expert Medal, 3 Expert Pistol Shot Medals and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Dick is survived by his second wife, Jeanie Brereton, son, Richard, 2 daughters, Melanie and Candace, brother, Melvin Gardner, and step children Patsy and Charlie. He is remembered by his friends and family as hard-working, an excellent diver and great naval officer. He instilled a good work ethic in his children, students and fellow sailors.
Dick received a BA and MBA in Business from National University. He taught Skin and Scuba diving for the City of Chula Vista. He joined the Senior Volunteer Patrol in 1997. His interests included gardening, camping, scuba diving and keeping his cars clean and shiny.
A memorial service to honor Richard's life and military service will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 3838 Bonita Rd. Bonita on October 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5