Richard Joseph Vasquez

Richard J. Vasquez, 90, of Sacramento, passed away on June 28, 2018 after a short but vigorous battle with cancer. Richard was born in New York City.  He graduated from CCNY in 1950 with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering.  He accepted a job in the Alaska Territory with the Road Commission.  He surveyed sections of the Trans Alaska Highway until he received an invitation from Uncle Sam to join the US Army.  He graduated from Basic, Officer and Branch Training and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.  He was sent back to Alaska Territory to help build radar sites.  After the 1953 Armistice, he elected to resign his commission and accept a civilian appointment as a Civil Engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers in France.  There he met an American school teacher, Rosemarie, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.  He returned from France with his wife and young family in 1958.  He accepted a position with the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.  For the next 28 years, he managed the construction and design of military, public works, recreational and other engineering projects throughout the 9 western states.  He retired in 1986 as the Asst. Chief of Engineering for the Sacramento District. After retirement, he frequented golf courses, mastered many crafts and hobbies, and mentored young engineers.  He served on the Mission Oaks Park Board and donated many gallons of blood to the Sacramento Blood Bank.    He was active in the Newman Catholic Community until its closing, and joined the Saint Ignatius Parish a few years ago. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Richard (Patty) and daughter Laura (Richard) and six grandchildren whom he adored - Peter and Joseph Lavallee and Kathryn, Christopher, Sarah and Gabriella Vasquez.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynne. A Memorial Mass and “Celebration of Life” will be held on July 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Saint Ignatius Church, Sacramento.  He will be interred at the St. Mary Cemetery on July 20th at 1:30 PM.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ignatius Tuition Assistance Fund.