Friday, March 31, 2017

Richard Russell Sonnie, BHS 1947

Richard Russell Sonnie
January 9, 1929 – September 28, 2016

Richard passed away suddenly at his home on Sept. 28th. Richard was 87 years old.
He was a much loved husband, father and uncle. Richard is survived by his wife Lupe of 59 years and his 3 daughters, Celina, Monica (Darryl Hoch) and Elena (Jeff Schweppe). He is also survived by 2 grandsons Charlie and Joey and niece Anna (Tony Valdez) and nephew Ricardo Duran (Cecilia). For all those who met or knew him, Richard "Dick" was known as a kind, friendly man with a quick wit and dry sense of humor.

Services: Wed, October 5th, 2016 Rosary 9:30am, Mass 10:00-11:00am
St. Andrew Church, 301 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
Internment: San Fernando Mission Cemetery 11160 Stranwood Ave. Mission Hills, CA 91345

Richard was born in Cleveland Ohio but was raised in the Tujunga, Burbank area. Richard "Dick" as we was called, attended both Verdugo Hills High School (1943-45) and Burbank High School (1945-47).

Later, he attended Glendale Jr. College 1947, Los Angeles City College 1950, and Cal State Los Angeles 1954-1956. It was at Los Angeles City College that he met his wife Lupe. During his school years Dick was affiliated with the Boy Scouts (High School), Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and Kappa Phi Sigma Fraternity

Richard was a Corporate Technician 5th grade (class) in the Army 1950-53. He had specialty training in Signal, Radio and Teletype repair and was assigned to Radio Operation Company 97th Signal Operation Battalion, Stuttgart, Germany. Richard received the Army Occupational Medal (G) – Army of Occupation medal to recognize occupation service in Germany.

For over 40 years, Richard was a Secondary School Teacher (High School) with the LA Unified School District, teaching Industrial Education (Automotive, Drafting, and Electronics), Mathematics, History, Social Studies and Drivers Education. He taught at San Fernando High School, Los Angeles High School, Kennedy High School, and Nightingale Junior High

His hobbies included: Automotive repair, electrical repair, Gardening, Reading (Autobiographies, History), Golf, Crossword Puzzles, and Travel with his wife Lupe.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard's honor to Nightingale Middle School 3311 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA

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