Richard (Rich) Dabbert

Richard (Rich) Dabbert, 79, Vacaville, Calif., passed away on October 15, 2024 at his home in Vacaville.

Funeral Services will be at McCune Funeral Home, 212 Main Street, Vacaville on November 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Bill Wrede, from Bethany Lutheran Church, will officiate the service. Interment will follow at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon Calif. An Elks service and reception will follow at the Vacaville Elks Lodge, 302 Parker Street, Vacaville.

Viewing will be from 4:30 – 7 p.m. on November 4, 2024 at McCune Funeral Home.

Rich was born July 27, 1945 to Edwin and Majorie (Fischer) Dabbert in Aberdeen. He was raised in the Hosmer/Roscoe area, graduating from Roscoe High School in 1963. Rich wed Mary Geier on April 15, 1966 and they were married 58 years. From this union, two children (Michelle and Michael) were born.

Rich's hobbies were woodworking, gardening and he loved his roses. Rich made many wooden craft items including large furniture that he designed himself. He made beautiful furniture for his home and family members. Rich loved to travel - staying in motels, RVing and ocean cruising. He loved spending time with his family and was proud of all of them. Rich was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Vacaville.

Rich joined the United States Air Force, where he spent 22 years serving his country (1963 – 1985). His first assignment was in the sheet metal shop at Ellsworth AFB SD. In 1967, Rich cross-trained into the aircraft maintenance career field and was assigned to Patrick AFB FL, Naha AB Okinawa, Shaw AFB SC, CCK AB Taiwan and Travis AFB CA. In 1974, Rich cross-trained into the flight engineer field, flying on C-141 aircraft. In addition to flying, Rich became an instructor and trained students in this career field. Rich was assigned to Altus AFB OK where he trained pilots and flight engineers on the C-141. As a flight crew member, Rich traveled all over the world, such as Iran, Somalia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, England and Southeast Asia to name a few. He was most proud of making five trips to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze to resupply scientists with essential equipment and supplies.

After his service in the Air Force, Rich spent 17 years with United Airlines, performing aircraft overhaul and flight control maintenance on the 727, 737, 747 and DC-10 aircraft.

Rich joined the Vacaville Elks Lodge in 1987 where he held several positions including Exalted Ruler twice in Vacaville and Vice President and District Grand Exalted Ruler in the California Northwest District.

Survivors include his wife Mary; daughter Michelle (Dave) Johnson of Winters, Calif. and son Michael (Heather) Dabbert of Davis, Calif.; grandchildren, Ashley (Sefra) Chavarria of Carmichael, Calif., Kathryn Johnson of Winters, Calif., Danielle Johnson of Winters, Calif., Summer Dabbert of Davis, Calif., Ryan Dabbert of Davis, Calif.; his sister, Rita (Richard) Hollander of Sacramento, Calif.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and father and mother-in law, Clemens and Minnie Geier.

Arrangements by McCune Garden Chapel of  Vacaville, Calif.