CMDR RICHARD F. AVILA
USN RETIRED
Richard F. Avila passed away on March 17, 2012 in Pinehurst,NC. Rick was born in Chicago on January 31, 1944, graduated from Reavis High School in Oaklawn, IL. and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Kansas. He enjoyed a 26 year career in the US Navy, serving on submarines including the USS Gudgeon, USS Thomas Edison and USS Patrick Henry; as well as on the submarine tender USS Proteus. After traveling to ports around the world, he retired as Commander from the US Pacific Fleet Submarine Force at Pearl Harbor in 1988. He went on to work in Hawaii at Lion Coffee and Straub Clinic and Hospital. Leaving Hawaii in 1994, Rick lived in San Jose, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Prescott, AZ, and Pinehurst, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents Francisco Parocua Avila and Patricia Metzger Avila, and son Robert Russell Avila. He leaves brothers Russell (Liane)Avila and Robert (Darlene) Avila; half siblings Mary Theresa Pabon, M. Frank (Sherry)Avila, Richard Avila and Daniel Avila; children James Avila of Dallas, TX, Richard F.( Jackie) Avila, Jr. of Abington, MA, and Elena (David) Strom of Pinehurst, NC; and grandchildren Colby Avila, and Natalie, Parker and Kiefer Strom. He is deeply missed by many cousins and friends. A burial at sea is planned.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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