Richard J. Dreyfuss' Obituary
Richard Joseph Dreyfuss, 90, Tucson native, died suddenly of natural causes December 9, 2016. He was the youngest child of Genevieve Helen Nelson and William Frederick Dreyfuss, born on May 2, 1926 at the family home at 235 N. Main Street. He was predeceased by his parents, and his four siblings, Bill, John, Louise, and Tom, an infant son, Bernard, and his wife of over seventy years, Jean Rae Yerington Dreyfuss. He is survived by two children, Richard Rae “Dink” Dreyfuss(Sandi), of Yuma, and Susan Lynn Rivera(David) of Tucson. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kristen Ginn(Jeremy), Erin Jones(Ted), Mathew “Bunker” Rivera(Laura), and Lauren Dreyfuss(Tim Arbon). Richard is also survived by five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Richard attended Ss. Peter and Paul School, Tucson High School, and the University of Arizona. At the age of seventeen he persuaded is mother to allow him to join the US Navy to serve his country during WWII. He became a Pharmacist’s Mate (Navy Corpsman) and was attached to the Fourth Marine Division, 23rd Marines. He fought at the battles of Saipan, Tinian, Roi-Namur, and Iwo Jima. He was seriously wounded on the thirteenth day of the battle for Iwo Jima. He served with distinction and for his heroism, was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Navy Cross.
After his service, he returned to Tucson, met and married the love of his life, Jean Rae Yerington. He then devoted his life to providing for his family, and raising his children. He worked for the US Postal Service for 35 years. He started as a Mail Handler, became a Distribution Clerk, and a Supervisor. He was a Little League Umpire, a member of the Amphi Gladiators, Optimists, and Elk’s. He loved his God, Jean, his family, Tucson, and the U of A Wildcats. “Not too bad for an old guy.”
His family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Peppi’s Place for their excellent and compassionate care of our Dad and of us. A scripture Service will be held at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery on Friday, December 16, at 11 AM. Graveside Service and interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s name may be made to Peppi’s Place, the Wounded Warriors Project, or the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
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