Richard Hamilton Bressler

Richard Hamilton Bressler, 91, passed away on Aug. 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Marilyn, and daughters at his home in Walnut Creek, California.

He was born Jan. 23, 1934, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Richard H. Bressler and Maude "Peggy" Mast. Raised during the Depression, Richard acquired the traits of resourcefulness, resilience, frugality, empathy, a strong work ethic and service to his community, qualities that served him well during his life.

He forged lifelong friendships, often sharing with them his love of sports and competition. In high school, Richard managed the track and basketball teams. When the track coach unexpectedly passed away, he stepped in and coached the track team all the way to the Indiana State Finals.

Richard graduated from Elkhart High School in 1951, where he had met and later married Marilyn Kretschmer.

Upon completing his Civil Engineering degree from Michigan State University, he joined Sollitt Construction Company, South Bend, Indiana. Richard's new career would have to wait, though, as he was called to serve in the Air Force and was stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio.

After serving in the Air Force, Richard and Marilyn moved into their new home in South Bend, with two daughters, Susan and Peggy. He enjoyed a career as a civil engineer with Sollitt Construction, in Indiana and then California, until 1975. During his 13 years in South Bend, Richard's family grew to include five more daughters, Diane, Christine, Mary, Karen and Jennifer.

A highlight of Richard's life was being asked to coach the University of Notre Dame Hockey Club. The players became part of the family and Richard made sure they all were investing as much time and effort into their studies as hockey. Richard loved coaching those very successful four years until the ND hockey program attained varsity status and could play in the new Convocation Center.

In 1968 Richard moved his family across the U.S. and arrived in Walnut Creek, California, as part of a job relocation. This move offered the opportunities of a lifetime for the whole family. Richard quickly adopted the Bay Area and took full advantage of the natural beauty, theater, food scene, wine regions, college sports and community involvement the area had to offer, coaching CYO sports, serving as president of the high school Booster Club, weekend family adventures and constant home repairs kept him constantly busy.

In 1976 Richard accepted a position with Glendale Federal Savings and for the next 22 years he enjoyed a rewarding and successful career. He enjoyed the remarkable restaurants and theaters of Los Angeles, UCLA sports, his parish community, international travel with Marilyn and volunteer opportunities. Retirement offered time to continue traveling and visiting his seven daughters and their families. Later returning to Walnut Creek, the next 20 years were filled with celebrating and continuing to reach out to family, friends, players he'd coached, his Glendale Federal team and never far from his heart, all things Notre Dame.

Richards greatest source of pride was always his family. Every meal around the table included delicious food, stories from his childhood, a list of his next home projects, a lot of laughter and constant support. He believed in creating strong connections and creating memories that last forever. Richard's longevity is proof that love, faith, sacrifice, leadership and respect for others, leads to an extraordinary life.

Richard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marilyn Kretschmer Bressler, and seven daughters, Susan (Paul) Nakae, Peggy (Dirk) Peters, Diane (Mark) Orsini, Christine (Larry) Wertz, Mary Bressler Scotti, Karen (Doug) Fairless and Jennifer (Eric) Bohm, 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Hospice in Richard Bressler's name at hopehospice.com.

His Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Walnut Creek, California.