Richard Joseph Lesch

Richard Joseph Lesch dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in Rancho Cucamonga, CA on Wednesday June 29, 2022. Richard was born to Joseph and Gloria Lesch in Chicago, Illinois on June 12, 1949. He graduated from Fontana High School in 1967 before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1975. After his service Richard began his over 40 year career starting with DynCorp and then retiring with the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, Ca. Richard loved playing basketball, camping in Yosemite, had a love for the outdoors, enjoyed sports and was a huge Dodger fan. His most favorite time was being with family and friends. He also loved to talk and could spend hours in a conversation either in person or over the phone. Richard was a kind and loving partner to his wife Gwen Lesch of over 30 years. In their free time they loved traveling to Kauai, camping with family and friends, going for walks and just being together. It wasn’t very often you would see them without each other. Being a father and grandfather came so naturally to Richard. He was always out playing with his kids and the neighborhood kids where he will always be remembered as the BEST all time quarterback and pitcher. He also never missed an opportunity to coach soccer. With his grandchildren he was just as involved and active in their lives. When they were little he loved swimming with them, talking to them and making them smile with his Donald Duck voice. He was always present and full of fun no matter what they were doing. Papa Richard was the best. Richard is survived by his wife, Gwen, daughter Tracey(Chris), sons Josh(Monette) and Fischer(Starr); five grandchildren, Cameron, Lauren, Morgan, Dylan and Greyson; sister Monica, brother Mark and sister Pam. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Gloria, brother Paul, brother in law John and sister in law Cathy. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life in August to share happy memories and honor Richard’s life in the way he would want to be remembered, as a loving and caring man who enjoyed life to the fullest but most importantly loved being with his wife, kids and grandkids. Richard, Richie, Bird, Dad, Papa will be missed so much.

Thank you to the family and friends who have already sent their condolences. The family is very thankful for them all. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fisher House Foundation would be greatly appreciated.