Richard Vickers

Dick Vickers, 86 years old, passed away on Feb 19th, 2016, surrounded by his family. Dick was born Jan 6th, 1930 in Pittsburgh PA to Clyde and Genevieve Vickers. He was the oldest of four children. He lived most of his adult life in Lomita, CA with the love of his life, his wife, Lillie, married for 64 years.

Dick joined the U.S Coast Guard Merchant Marines at the age of 15 and then enlisted in the Army Air Corp at the age of 16 just as WWII was ending. He participated in the Berlin Air Lift and served two tours of duty in Germany and the Philippines. He was a student of military history, particularly WWII history. His interests and passions ranged from classic cars, poetry, boats and fishing to history and the Big Band Era. He was known to break-out in spontaneous song, recite a favorite poem or tell a well-timed joke at just the right moment.

Dick worked for American Can Company in Carson, CA as a Senior Lithographer for 35 years. He was also a Real Estate Broker. When he retired from American Can in 1986, he opened his own office, Vickers Real Estate, in Torrance CA.

Dick was a proud member of the Lomita Masonic Lodge and became the Worshipful Master in 1974. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine Club and past President of the South Bay Shrine Club. He was appointed Inspector of the 620th Masonic District in 1980 and served until 1990. He was also a member of the San Pedro Elks Club, the Walteria Business Men’s Club and the Long Beach Yacht Club.

Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy, and sister, Barbara. He is survived by his brother, Maurice, the love of his life Lillie (Duran) Vickers, daughter Denise Schwarz (Bob) and son, Richard P. Vickers. He is also survived by the grandchildren he adored: Christopher Ziello (Jacki Lobatto), Kelly Copeland (Patrick), Johnny Ziello (Alex) and Nicholas Ziello. He also has seven rambunctious great-grandchildren in whom he delighted: Reese (6), Sonny (6), Cole (5), Henry (4), Luke (2), Lillie (7 Mos.), and Ella (4 Mos.)

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 26, 2016, at Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary with

Burial to follow at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, 90275