Richard Ustick

1934 - 2026

Rear Admiral Richard C. "Dick" Ustick, USN (ret.), son of Dorothy and Richard Ustick, graduated from Modesto High School in 1951, Modesto Junior College in 1953, and UC Berkeley in 1956, at which time he received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

His 35 year naval career highlights include commanding Destroyer Squadron 21 in the Western Pacific, participating in the 1962 Navy anti-submarine nuclear tests in the Pacific, and serving as program director at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland during the integration of women into the U.S. Service Academies in 1976. He also served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Southern Command in Panama as that country struggled with then President Manuel Noriega, and the U.S. prepared to turn the Panama Canal over to Panama. The Navy promoted Richard Ustick to Admiral in 1981 and he succeeded to Rear Admiral (two stars) before retiring in 1990.

Rear Admiral Ustick was selected as a Charter Class member of Modesto High School's "Hall of Fame" and as Modesto Junior College's 2005 distinguished graduate.

Rear Admiral Ustick was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Bernice Ollar Ustick (Modesto High class of 1952). He is survived by his son Richard Brent Ustick; daughters Dr. Lori Coakley and Charon Ustick; five grandchildren – Alex (and his wife Alexis) Ustick, Crisy (and her husband Alex) Grint, JAC, Samantha, and Robby Coakley; and great-granddaughter, Ellie.