Richard Avila, age 68, passed away after a yearlong illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Genevieve and Emilio Avila.  He was a loving father to Wendy Avila and grandfather of Timothy McGuire. 
   Richard is survived by his brother, Emilio Avila, Jr. and two sisters, Gloria Rawlinson, Rosalie Avila-Jimenez and ten nieces and nephews.
   Richard was born and raised in Oakland, CA and graduate from Skyline High School in 1965. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and he served three years. Beginning of 1969, he started serving his one-year tour of duty in Vietnam.
   Richard loved the two Oakland teams, the A’s and Raiders.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family or friend and never missed a family event. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and volunteering.  He volunteered with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War and was a volunteer driver for the VA Hospital in Liverrmore.  Richard will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
   A memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 31, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 505 E. North St., Manteca, and interment will be held on April 1st, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, in Dixon.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Monday, March 28, 2016