Virgil Dean Richberger, 89, passed away on Dec. 24, 2009, at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson. He was born in Oakland, Calif., the eighth of 12 children to parents William Richberger and Hazel Ross. Virgil graduated from Berkeley High School. He joined the Navy Seabees and served with the 38th CB during World War II on Kodiak and Adak Islands in Alaska.
With brother Lyle Richberger, he operated Richberger Cabinet and Finishing Shop in Oakland. They specialized in custom-made furniture and refinishing and repair of antique furniture, having learned their trade as schoolboys from their father.
In 1949, Virgil married Luella East of Snelling, Calif. They lived first in Montclair in the Oakland hills, then in 1957, moved to Orinda. For many years they enjoyed square dancing, Lu wearing an orchid in her hair that Virgil had grown in his hothouse. After retiring in 1983, Lu and Virg moved to Pioneer, Calif., where he was a member of Sons in Retirement. In 2005, they moved to Bethel Retirement Community in Modesto. Virgil enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Virgil’s family wants to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff of Community Hospice and Bethel Retirement Community who provided the care that allowed him to live in comfort at home.
Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Luella Richberger; and five brothers and four sisters.
He is survived by daughters, Shirley Butler of Modesto, Roberta Gray of Snelling and Wanda Perschnick of South Lake Tahoe; sister, Rita West of Willits; brother, Charles Richberger of Concord, Calif.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He appreciated his three sons-in-law, Bill Butler, Gordon Gray, and Rex Perschnick.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Allen Mortuary Event Center.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356-9259.
Please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
With brother Lyle Richberger, he operated Richberger Cabinet and Finishing Shop in Oakland. They specialized in custom-made furniture and refinishing and repair of antique furniture, having learned their trade as schoolboys from their father.
In 1949, Virgil married Luella East of Snelling, Calif. They lived first in Montclair in the Oakland hills, then in 1957, moved to Orinda. For many years they enjoyed square dancing, Lu wearing an orchid in her hair that Virgil had grown in his hothouse. After retiring in 1983, Lu and Virg moved to Pioneer, Calif., where he was a member of Sons in Retirement. In 2005, they moved to Bethel Retirement Community in Modesto. Virgil enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Virgil’s family wants to thank all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff of Community Hospice and Bethel Retirement Community who provided the care that allowed him to live in comfort at home.
Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Luella Richberger; and five brothers and four sisters.
He is survived by daughters, Shirley Butler of Modesto, Roberta Gray of Snelling and Wanda Perschnick of South Lake Tahoe; sister, Rita West of Willits; brother, Charles Richberger of Concord, Calif.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He appreciated his three sons-in-law, Bill Butler, Gordon Gray, and Rex Perschnick.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Allen Mortuary Event Center.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356-9259.
Please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.
