He semi-retired several years ago and moved to Parker, California, and recently moved to Parker, Arizona.
Known as "River Rick," he loved the river and river rafting down the Grand Canyon. He was a champion bridge player, and enjoyed reading, and four-wheeling in his Jeep.
His sister, Deborah Eddy of Farmers in Downey, said his ashes will "forever be a part of the river which brought him so much peace."
He is also survived by sons Jeff of Long Beach; Robby of Kerrville, Texas; Scott of Mojave Valley, Arizona; Richard of Long Beach; and Ryan of Huntington Beach.
Donations have been directed to Elk charities.
Arrangements were handled by Morrow's Pico Rivera Mortuary.
He was born in Los Angeles and served the city of Huntington Park as a police officer for 30 years.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Vicki Shannon; 3 brothers, Desmond, Hollis and Norman; and two grandchildren.
He was 64, born March 27, 1937 in Corozal, Puerto Rico to parents Ramon Rivera and Luisa Vega. He came to the United States at age 16 and settled in New York, moving to California in 1981. He worked in the restaurant industry for many years, and owned the El Rey in Huntington Park. After he sold it he continued to work part time in the food service industry. He enjoyed being a grandfather and spending time with his granddaughter, Evanna.
Survivors include his wife, Elena; daughters Wanda and Joann; a son, Jose; brothers Robert, Luis and Samuel; sisters Gloria and Maria; and a granddaughter, Evanna.
Burial will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery in Commerce. Arrangements are by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
She was 96, born in Utica, N.Y., and died Jan. 29, 2002, in Downey.
She was a member of St. Dominic Savio Church of Bellflower and enjoyed cooking and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. Gaiser (1991), her sisters, and her son Peter M. Gaiser.
Survivors include her daughter, Katherine (Paul) Maxam of Oceanside; her son, Paul Gaiser of Oakland; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joseph (Joan) Graziano of Torrance.
Father Ramon Zarate officiated.
Burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.
She was 69, born May 1, 1932 in El Paso, Texas to parents Francisco and Petra Navarro, and died at her home Jan. 31, 2002.
She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and enjoyed dancing, cooking, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her six sons, Albert Valdespino (Sally) of Lakewood, David Valdespino of Diamond Bar, Robert Valdespino (Pam) of Wichita, Kansas, Gary Valdespino of Palm Desert, Eddy Valdespino (Kelley) of Huntington Beach, and Freddy Valdespino (Linda) of Northridge; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her friend and companion for the last seven years, Ray Dominguez.
Burial followed at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach. Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
He was born in Albany, Georgia on July 1, 1918 and died Jan. 30, 2002 following a long illness.
He graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in civil engineering in 1938. He played football for Ohio State and was a loyal "Buckeye" supporter his entire life.
He served our country in the U.S. Army in World War II, led a Battalion Construction Corps in the Philippines and was honorably discharged after the war with the rank of Major.
He raised his family here and was an active member of the Downey community. After 25 years he retired from Northrop Grumman in 1984. During his retirement years he traveled, and enjoyed golf and bridge.
Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Arlene; their four children, Edward Isaac Hofmayer Jr., Susan Lowell, Judith Horne, and Nancy Lazenby and seven grandchildren.
A time to share memories and to celebrate his life will be held with family and friends at his home from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14.
Arrangements are by Rose Hills Mortuary.