CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Richard J. Sustachek, 84, passed away on Jan. 16, 2016, while surrounded by family at his home in Clearlake Oaks.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1931, in Racine, Wisc., to Richard F. and Abbie (Heinisch) Sustachek.

Richard grew up in Racine and graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1949.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, working as an aircraft and engine mechanic. He became an advanced technical instructor and during the Korean War he worked on and tested B-29s, which he enjoyed immensely until given an honorable discharge upon the death of his father.

Rich returned home and worked for John Oster Manufacturing Co. in Racine as a general foreman where he worked for five years, then continued in the manufacturing field in Milwaukee before moving out to Granada Hills, Calif., in 1969 to work for a company in Vernon, Calif.

Rich also was a licensed real estate broker for many years. He owned and operated two restaurants in Burbank, Calif., and drove semi trucks for Guthmiller Trucking Inc. prior to owning and operating his own trucking company.

He then worked at Sabina Electric and Engineering in Anaheim, Callif. At the same time, he also worked as the night shift security guard for Mr. Bob Hope, which he entirely enjoyed, in spite of working two jobs simultaneously.

Rich decided it was time to retired in 1989 and moved to Clearlake Oaks with his wife.

Rich married Beverly in 1983 in Burbank, and they were happily married for 32 wonderful years.

He enjoyed ham radios and held his amateur radio operator license since he was a young. Rich was a pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for years and loved flying his small plane often.

Rich enjoyed traveling by RV to Wisconsin to visit family and the Osh-Kosh Fly-In, and numerous camping trips at various lakes. He especially loved feeding and watching all types of birds and ducks who frequented their yards.

Rich was easy going, could still play the harmonica, had an entrepreneurial spirit and a fun sense of humor.

He is survived by his spouse, Beverly Sustachek, of Clearlake Oaks; his children, Karen (Mike) LePine, Gretchen (John Chong) Sustachek, William (Hongcha) Sustachek, Elizabeth Doty, David (Laureen) Sustachek, Sue Hintz, Sally (Chris) Galewski, Paul (Dina) Sustachek and Natasha (Cindi Herrera) Sustachek; stepchildren, Daniel (Rose) Oliver, Susan (Don) Rosenberry, Mary (Ray) Friedrich, Mark (Sue) Oliver, and Jane (Alex) Gonzalez; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 11 step-great grandchildren; sister, Dolores Sorenson; brother, Kenneth Sustachek; other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and a baby boy, Joseph Sustachek.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Clearlake Oaks, 12821 First St., Clearlake Oaks, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, with Pastor Greg Holmes officiating.

The children would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Marc Shapiro for his years of care, to Brook at DaVita Lakeport Dialysis for his love and support, and to the staff at Hospice Services of Lake County, especially David, Annina, Sabrina, Bess and Laurie. We are blessed by all their authentic, loving care given to Rich “Pops” and the support they showed to our entire family.

For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .