Richard died in the ICU of Kaiser Hospital, Vallejo on Sunday with complications from pneumonia.

He was born and raised in Lancaster, PA and graduated from Millersville State University with a double major degree in math and science. His first job was teaching high school math. Later, he was hired by New Holland Farm Machinery Company working in New Holland, PA. In 1969, he transferred to Denver, CO, in 1977 to Fresno, and finally in 1988 to the Bay Area. After the company merged, Richard was hired by Berkeley Lab. He began work here in 1991 and with his math/science and managerial background Richard felt that his job as facilities planner was a perfect fit.

Richard is survived by Joyce, his wife of 38 years, who is a teacher at Hogan High School. He is also survived by his son Christopher and wife Isabel; by his daughter Angela and her daughters Jasmine, Violet, and Ivy; and by his daughter Michelle and her son Jusef. His birth mother, Joan Weitzel, lives in Columbia, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Reba Dicely and his sister Jean Lear.

Music has always been an important part of Richard's life. He and his wife were music ministers for the 7:30 Sunday mass at Saint Dominic's Church. Richard was an involved member of the 9 o'clock choir and along with his wife traveled with VOENA to Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where the singers sang for the Pope and in various churches. As a young man, he worked as a youth minister for the church. Richard was a softball and soccer coach and a licensed soccer referee. He was involved in the Friends of the Benicia Public Library book sales and an avid reader.

His hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, and playing board and card games with his family.

A Memorial Mass will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at St. Dominic's Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia. Internment will be private. Family prefers donations to St. Vincent de Paul or the Benicia Community Action Council. Arrangements are under the direction of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, Benicia.