Richard Michael "Richie" Falda

Richard Michael Falda "Richie" 08/17/1946 ~ 10/29/2010 POWAY -- Richie was born in St. Louis, Mo., to John A. Falda and Dorothy S. Chabdaratz, (parents deceased). He grew up in Hammond, Ind., where he served as an alter boy, attended military school and graduated from Hammond High. He was a professional bassist for the "Mystics" which included members, Jeff Michalak, David Luce, Edward Luce and Larry "Pups" Peterson. Rich served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. He served with the RIVRON 11, RIV DIV 112, and ASPB 112-6 "River Rats." He received the Purple Heart and other prestigious awards. He received his B.A. is Psychology from San Diego State University. After working various jobs, he became a driver for Roadway Pkg. Service, later known as Fed-Ex. During his 17 year tenure, he received many award for excellence. He loved being an "Independent Contractor" and delivered to Poway for many years. In retirement, he joined several organizations including VFW Post 7907 Poway, where he served as Post Commander 2005-06. Under his leadership, the post received the All American Post Commander Award. Rich held the office of Lecturing Knight at Poway Elks Lodge 2543 and was a tireless supported of the Poway Veteran Memorial Park to be dedicated this Veteran days, 2010. Many thanks to our fellow Elks. He also belonged to the American Legion, Poway, Fleet Reserve Assoc. Poway, Moose International, Poway, and Mobile Riverine Assoc. He loved "Da Bears," Notre Dame, SDSU Aztecs and Fantasy Football at Champs. Richard is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margaret L. Falda of Poway; children, Karrie (Roe) Reesman (Michael Reesman) of Crown Point, Ind., Brett Roe (Jolynn Kettwig, deceased) of Griffith Ind., and Jason Falda (Lindsay Bacon) of Poway, Calif.; sister, Joletta Pelletier (Gregory Pelletier) of Whiting, Ind.; father-in-law, Glenn Newmister (Lizzie Newmister, deceased) of Attica, Ind.; brothers-in- law, Michael Newmister (Donna Newmister) of Odell, Ind., and John Newmister (Sherry Burchett) of Attica, Ind.; nephews, Jacob Pelletier, Joshua Pelletier, Eric Pelletier and Mickal Newmister; niece, Rebecca Newmister (Charlie) of Linden, Ind.; grandchildren, Brandice Reesman, Andrew Reesman, Cassie Roe, Candice Roe, Theodore Roe and Forest Roe; great-grandchildren, Julianna Reesman and James Burns; cousin, Charles Falda; and extended family. We will always treasure his wisdom, wit, "Baby Blues," and his unfailing love of his family. Thank you to Palomar Medical Center staff for their compassion and care in our darkest hour. ~ The Falda Family. Services include: Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Poway, Friday, November 19th at 10am. Celebration of Life at Poway Elks Lodge, 2543, Poway Road, Poway on Sunday, November 21st, at 11am. Military services will be held at Fort Rosecrans on Thursday, December 16th, at 2p.m. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com