Mr. Richard Manuola Dagampat

Richard Manuola Dagampat, 79, of Hacienda Heights, California, with his family by his side, peacefully passed away and went home to Our Lord, on April 1, 2014. He was born to the late Claudio Bagobe Dagampat and Anna Keala Kealoha Kekoi on November 22, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. Richard graduated from Belmont High School in 1953 and earned a B.S. in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1959 and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1965. He married the beautiful, Dolores Araujo, on June 5, 1959, at the United States Naval Academy. Richard and Dolores lived throughout the United States during his military career – and resided in Hacienda Heights for the past 36 years. Richard had an illustrious athletic career, including captain of the 1958 U.S. Naval Academy football team, 1958 Boy's Life Magazine College Football All-America, and 1957 Cotton Bowl champion. He was selected to the Los Angeles High School Hall of Fame after being named All-City in football, baseball and track during 1952 and 1953. Richard served our country proudly as a United States Marine, followed by 20 years as an officer in the United States Air Force. Upon his resignation from military service in 1976, Richard embarked on a successful 30 year executive management career with Beckman Instruments, Abbott Laboratories and Alpha Therapeutic Corporation. After retiring in 2005, Richard enjoyed spending leisure time with his family, especially with the love of his life, Dolores. He loved cheering on (and coaching) his grandchildren at their athletic events, playing golf with his sons and grandsons, and being doted on by his daughters. People gravitated toward his gregarious, welcoming personality. He could never have enough company and delighted in laughing and talking with family, friends, and strangers, alike. His quick wit, sense of humor, and boisterous laughter were enjoyed by everyone within earshot, and his generosity endeared him to all. Richard relished his get-togethers with his childhood friend, Belmont High School and U.S.N.A. classmate and teammate, Peter Jokanovich, especially their monthly outings to the Summit House in Fullerton, CA. But, most of all, he spent his time loving his family. Richard was a life-long Catholic and a long-time parishioner of Saint John Vianney Parish in Hacienda Heights, CA. He drew strength from his Catholic faith and found peace and comfort in knowing Our Lord Jesus Christ. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Dagampat, of Hacienda Heights, CA; son, Steven Dagampat and daughter-in-law, Amy, of Oceanside, CA; son, Gery Dagampat of Colleyville, TX, and daughter-in-law, Adele; daughter, Diane Kaiser and son-in-law, Kit, of Redondo Beach, CA; son, Richard Dagampat of Newport Beach, CA; son, David Dagampat and daughter-in-law, Jana, of Mckinney, TX; daughter, Christina Lucas and son-in-law, Jeff, of Hacienda Heights, CA; son, Peter Dagampat, of Hacienda Heights, CA; daughter, Kathryn Dagampat, of Hacienda Heights, CA; 15 adoring grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard lived a long and fruitful life – and his family is comforted by Our Lord's words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy." (Matt 25:21)