Richard Louis Walthart (Dick) was born in Hollywood, California on October 2, 1932. He lived in Alhambra until jr. high when his family moved to New Jersey. Dick graduated with his BA from Bucknell University, PA in 1955 and married his wife, Lucille Stitzenberger (Lu) in 1957. They moved to the South when he joined the Army and Dick served as an instructor in the field of electronics.
In 1960 the family moved to California and shortly thereafter Dick started graduate school at Sacramento State University, where he earned his Masters in Social Work. By then the family included two sons, John and Dave, and after graduation, the family moved to the San Jose area. Dick became a social worker for the County of Santa Clara where he worked for almost 35 years. Dick and Lu were active members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino and then Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Saratoga, where they sang in the choir for many years. After retirement, they spent many enjoyable weekends at their condo in Capitola, overlooking the Monterey Bay. In 2016 Dick and Lu moved to Southern California to be near to John’s family.
During his high school years Dick played football (lineman) on his school’s championship team and continued his love of the sport as an adult rooting for the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. He would often throw a football with his two sons and was involved with his boys in the local YMCA. Furthermore, he supported and cheered for his sons as they participated in Police Athletic League (PAL) football as well as high school football and track. Over time swimming became a frequent form of exercise for Dick as was playing softball. The family spent many happy outings camping with the Moussa and Messner families during summer vacations; and holidays were often enjoyed getting together with the Besecker family. In his last few years Dick loved talking on the phone with his lady friend, Barbara, doing crosswords with his daughter-in-law, Karyn, and watching NFL football with his son, John. Dick passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 at the age of 91. Dick’s wife Lu preceded him in death, as did his sister Anne McMains. Dick is survived by his sons John and Dave, and John’s wife Karyn, his two grandsons, Jason and his wife Felicia, and Kyle and his wife Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Ross.
There will be a graveside service at 3 pm on August 31, 2024 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, California, 95125.
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