Richard Marvin Staples

Richard Marvin Staples, 82 passed away on February 20, 2024 at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital. He was born September 19, 1941 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by his father Richard L. Staples, mother Evelyn Jean Staples-Smith and brother Westly Charles Staples. His father’s life was taken at a steel mill while working heavy machinery in Pittsburgh, PA. After his mother, Evelyn remarried the family moved to Long Beach, CA in 1959. He was raised by his stepdad, Ray Smith who was in the US Navy. Richard went to Cal Poly Long Beach High School where he grew to love the game of basketball. The family later was stationed in San Francisco and Japan before going back to San Diego, CA where they settled down. While in Sasebo, Japan, he bonded with lifelong friends; Gene Rose, John Gordon and many more Sasebo friends since high school.

Richard was a Vietnam veteran, a member of the American Legion, and involved with the NAACP as well as a Masonic brother. Richard was last known as a former educator who dedicated his time and services to teach Mathematics to others in California and in Texas. He graduated from La Verne University with his Masters in Business. He impacted many lives throughout his time on earth and left a lasting impression on the hearts of many. He enjoyed Sudoku, playing dominos and Pinnacle at the Senior Center.

Of his first marriage to Shirley T. Staples in1966 was born one daughter, Leila Staples. He leaves to celebrate his homecoming three generations: his daughter Leila M. Staples; four grandchildren; Sominique Tami, Kerrisha Lewis, Aaliyah Staples-West and Deshaun Staples; and three great grandchildren; Jahlon, Omri, and Kyla; a sister Valerie Smith Ramirez; brother-in-law Enrique Ramirez husband of Valerie; a niece Vanessa Smith Ramirez; a nephew Rumon Staples, son of Westly Staples, cousin Rita Staples, cousin Derrick Staples, Carole Staples wife of Derrick and a host of other cousins, adopted children from a second marriage and many friends.

In his last years, he grew closer to the Lord following his baptism in May 2021. Richard was a man of faith who loved to attend church and hear inspirational sermons.

His love for family was electric! He brought everyone closer together and enjoyed seeing all his relatives at the last family reunion in July 2023, Pittsburgh, PA. His friendly smile, laugh and personality were contagious.

Richard was kind, intelligent, and humorous. He loved to dance, laugh, share life stories, and spend time with those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

I would like to thank Shirley Shively, who was his friend and caregiver, Zubeda RN and Hannah RN for the care and compassion of my father in his final days.

Celebration of life will be held March 9, 2024, 11am at Shepherd Church: 19700 Rinaldi St, Porter Ranch, CA 91326