RV was born on July 13, 1933, in McKeesport, PA, where he was primarily raised by his older sisters and father. At the young age of 16, he enlisted in the US Army to fight in the Korean War. His military service was something he rarely talked about, but it left him with lasting memories and a deep devotion to those who serve.
After he returned home, he met and fell in love with Betty Jean Reynolds and they married on September 18, 1954. Soon they found themselves heading west to California with their infant daughter, Deb, and nothing more than what fit in the car. They settled in southern California, where they added another daughter and son, Lori and Rob, to their family and where RV spent his career as the Director of Quality Control at Continental Airlines. After he retired in 2000, they moved to Southlake, Texas, to be closer to their grandchildren.
RV had a long-standing passion for rebuilding and showing antique ’56 and ’57 Lincolns and he was an active member of the Lincoln Continental Owners Club. He won multiple state awards for the detailed and beautiful work he dedicated to these cars. He also became an international mentor to countless people on the specifics of these automobiles and he will be sorely missed within this community.
In addition, he was an active member of the Southlake community, serving as a member of the Southlake Citizens on Patrol program which acts as additional eyes and ears of the Police Department.
RV is survived by his 2 daughters, 1 son and daughter-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project.
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