Richard Clerico, 88, of Santa Monica, California, passed away after a four-month battle with cancer on March 17.
Richard was born on Nov. 30, 1925, in Helper, Utah, to Screlda and Albert Clerico. He had one sister, Barbara Clerico. He attended high school at Carbon Canyon and after graduating, he was drafted.
Richard was a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII, stationed in Germany from 1944 to 1946. After returning to his hometown, he attended a two-year college in Price, Utah, and in 1956, he married Marilyn Jones, also of Price, Utah. They had one daughter, Cindy Kim Clerico.
He was in business with his dad until 1957 when he joined the National Guard in Price, Utah. In 1964, he moved to California to be closer to his daughter, who was residing there with her mother. Richard worked with Regis Philbin until he attended the Police Academy and became a California State Police Officer, and he was assigned a special detail to protect Governor Ronald Reagan, George Deukmejian and Jerry Brown.
“His work ethic was impeccable. His loyalty, commitment and dedication were unparalleled,” a loved one said. His hobby was collecting rare coins.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Cindy Landon, and his grandchildren, Jennifer and Sean Landon, all of whom reside in Los Angeles.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Pierce Brothers in Westlake Village.