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Richard Ramirez Arias, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on December 30, 2014. He was born in Devine, Texas, on July 14, 1927, to Jesus and Anita Arias. Richard joined the United States Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged after the war but remained in the Navy Reserve for a few years thereafter. Richard then worked at Kelly Air Force Base for 35 years and later became a "Mr. Mom" until Stella retired from Kelly Air Force Base in 1983. Richard devoted his entire life to his family. He was active in CYO baseball as a manager, coach, umpire or whatever was needed to be with his children. He took them camping every summer and often took other members of the family. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalen for 17 years where he served as president of the Athletic Association. He was president of the CYO and council president at Mount Sacred Heart School. Later Richard and family moved to St. Matthew Catholic Church where they became charter members and have remained as parishioners for 47 years. Richard and a few other parishioners established the Confraternity of Our Lady of Guadalupe and also started the Bereavement Ministry. He was also a greeter, Eucharistic Minister, member of the Bi-Lingual choir and member of the ACTS Community.Richard will forever be remembered by his family and all who knew him for his positive outlook on life and for his sense of humor in spite of his many ailments. He never allowed a "little pain" to get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest, constantly making everyone around him laugh and have a good time. He was also a devoted Spurs fan and was a season ticket holder for more than 30 years.He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jesse; sisters, Beatrice and Gloria; sister-in-law, Lillian Pedraza; mother and father-in-law, Jose and Popa Pedraza; and his youngest son, Ray. He is survived by his devoted wife, Stella, of 64 years; his son, Robert, and his wife, Nancy; son, Roger and his wife, Di-Anna; daughter, Cindy; grandchildren, Jeremy and his wife Rebekah, Amber and her husband Jonathan, Eric and his wife Elizabeth, Jordan, Christa, Zach and Noah; and great-granddaughters, Emley, Fiona, Jori, Jules and Hannah. He is also survived by brothers Robert, Rudy, Roy and their wives, sister Anna and her husband and numerous nieces and nephews.Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, and the Mass of Resurrection at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 7. Both services will be at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Road. Internment, with military honors, will follow the mass at San Fernando Cemetery.

Tributes

Richard R. Arias

July 14, 1927 - December 30, 2014