PIVONKA, Richard A.

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Richard A Pivonka July 29, 1947 - March 17, 2015 In the Late morning of Tuesday, March 17th, the Good Lord decided that it was time for Richard to come home. He is now with all of our loved ones that are waiting for a reunion at the mansion over the hilltop. Richard Allen Pivonka came to this world on July 29, 1947, to parents Floyd and Marie. Richard and his brother Franklin lived all over the world because of their father's Air Force career, 49 foreign countries and most every state in the Continental United State. At the age of 18, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy. During his career, he served three tours in Vietnam as River Patrol. After being injured, when his patrol boat was ambushed, he was sent state side, medically discharged, and awarded a purple heart. Once mended, Richard pursued a college degree and went to work for IBM. In 1977, Richard returned to Arizona where he married high school sweetheart, Dolly and took a job with Magma Copper as an electrician. In 1979, they moved to Catalina with their young daughter Kathryn. In 1981, Richard Allen II was born. A few years later, Richard's step-daughter Ronda and son Steven came to live with them. While the kids grew, Richard became very involved in the PTCO at Coronado K-8. He helped run carnivals, secret Santa shops, and fundraisers. As the youngest kids went to high school, he became very involved with the CDO Band Boosters. Richard loved to play and laugh with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of his granddaughters Melinda and Alicia and adored Ayden and Jaxson. Richard never met a stranger and enjoyed conversing with all he came in contact with. He leaves a void that will be hard to fill.