Richard J. Bockelman

BOCKELMAN, RICHARD J. Sgt. Major December 28,1921 to May17, 2009 Richard J. Bockelman exemplified honor, pride, and goodness. His down home humility would never allow him to acknowledge his great heartedness. Despite being born into extreme poverty along the Gulf Coast, Richard grew into a fine young man. Although life was hard, Richard worked hard to help his widowed mother, two sisters and one brother. With war brewing in Europe, Richard made the ultimate commitment. At 16, Richard joined the Marine Corps. With total devotion and duty, Richard spent 32 years serving his country with pride. He retired as a highly decorated Sergeant Major. Soon after World War II concluded, Richard met Mary McCarron, a fellow marine. She captured his heart the moment he met her. During their 63 years of marriage their family flourished. The pride of his life was his six children. He was a strong marine by day and a doting father by night. The great joy he received from children continued with his five grand-daughters and two great-grand-children. Richard was a loving husband and father. Although deeply missed by family and friends, the family is comforted to know he passed peacefully to join life's love, Mary, in the hereafter. Memorial Luncheon will be held Sunday, May 31st, at Casa de Pico in La Mesa. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Monday, June 1st.