Clarey, Richard Anthony 1931-2010

CLAREY, VONDRAK, GRAHAM, BECK, DEROCHER, SITZMANN

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 1/22/2010 at 17:00:01

Published in Press Democrat [Petaluma, California] from January 21 to January 23, 2010

Richard A. Clarey
Passed away peacefully on January 19, 2010 in Petaluma with his loving wife Jean by his side. Devoted husband of the late Shirley Clarey; adored father of Mark Clarey (Wendy) of MN, David Clarey (Theresa) of Petaluma, Cyndi Trezek (Donald) of Rohnert Park, Sue Miller (Marvin) of Petaluma, Bobbi Millard of Cotati, Mitch Clarey (Jeanette) of Petaluma, and Edie Nelson (Byron) of Penngrove. Loving Step-Father of Cheryl Bishop (Grant) of San Francisco, Lisa Lynch (Bob) and Steve Hospodar (Kim) all of Petaluma. Beloved Grandfather of Trevor and Richard Clarey, Christina Soiland, Frank, Danielle, and Joseph De Costa; Sarah Miller, Courtney and Taylor Millard, Austin and Jaden Clarey, Brent Kennedy, Byron, Zachary, Shelby and Mallory Nelson, Sophie and Anna Hospodar, Myranda Lynch, and Chuckie Heltzel. Cherished Great-Grandfather of Paula, Nadine, and William Clarey; Ben and Nathan Soiland. Dear brother of Tish [Patricia] Graham, Ann DeRocher, Lucille Beck, Lucy [Lucene]Sitzman, Donna Vondrak; and the late Jack [John Jr.], Al, Ray, Daniel, and Fred Clarey. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Age: 78 years. A member of: St. Joseph Catholic Church, past Secretary of Petaluma Council #9 YMI, and SIRS. Richard was born, reared and educated in Merrill, IA, graduating from Liberty High School in 1949. During the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. He entered into the electrical apprenticeship in 1957 and spent the next 20 years working on various projects in Sonoma and Marin Counties. In 1977 he was elected Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #551, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Richard was a true believer in Unions and worked diligently to improve the lives of working people. A man dedicated to the principles of fairness, equality and responsibility, his efforts improved the standard of living for hundreds of Northern California families. Richard served on the Cotati School Board and was involved with many civic organizations throughout his life. Having grown up on a farm, Richard was a farmer at heart. He enjoyed riding his tractor, building fences, and tending to his sheep. He played golf and pool, was a craftsman of all trades, and a real "Mr. Fix-it," repairing anything and everything for his family and friends. Never one to back down from a good argument, Richard thoroughly enjoyed the Friday morning coffee socials where he and his friends engaged in spirited, but always friendly, political discussions and debate. However, his true joy came from spending time with his family. When his children were young, he coached in Cotati Little League and CYO Basketball for many years. Richard continued in this tradition with his grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event and always proudly cheering them on. In his later years, some of his happiest times were the backyard BBQs with his family. True to his Irish heritage, Richard was quick with a smile, and a fantastic story teller. He was a truly unique and great man; strong, yet gentle, proud, yet humble, honest and loyal. He will be missed but never forgotten. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 150 St. Joseph Way, Cotati, CA. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m. at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Petaluma.