Richard G. Pandolfi

Richard “Rick” Pandolfi, 83, passed away on June 7 at his home in Bakersfield.

An aerospace and industrial engineer who worked for over 50 years for companies such as Lockheed Missile and Space, Hughes Aircraft Company, and Bolthouse Farms, Richard was born in Akron, Ohio, on March 1, 1939. In 1953, his family took the train from Ohio to California and settled in Los Angeles. He attended North Hollywood High School and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he played football. In 1959 he married Gwenyth Hawley, with whom he had two children: Tony and Morissa. 

Rick married Lula Fanucchi in 1975. They lived in the San Fernando Valley until 1992, when they moved to Bakersfield. Throughout their marriage, Lu and Rick enjoyed traveling, especially road trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, and each year they spent weeks decorating their home inside and out in order to wow family and neighbors at Christmas. 

A lifelong learner through tinkering, Rick could rehab almost anything, whether a toaster, a turntable, or weathered patio furniture. He was equally happy working on special projects with his grandchildren at his immaculately organized work bench as he was drafting new designs for oil rig equipment. In 1995, at age 56, he earned a B.S. in computer science from Cal State, Bakersfield. He retired for the third and final time in 2013, which gave him more time for reading, gardening, writing, and perfecting his poker game.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lula; his son, Michael Fanucchi; his parents, Guido and Frances; and his sister, Loretta Levens.

Rick is survived by his daughters Morissa Myers (David) and Carla Wenzinger (Ralph); son Tony Pandolfi; twelve grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. 

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on June 18, 2022, in the chapel at Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara funeral home, with Reverend Monsignor Robert Wenzinger officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Hillcrest Memorial Park. 

The family would like to thank Bristol Hospice Care.