Richard John DePrez – Captain, United States Navy

From a contemporary press report:

Richard John DePrez, U.S. Navy Retired, died December 28, 2000 in his home in Pacific Beach, California. He was born and raised in Rochester, New York, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1943, attended the Naval War College in 1955, and received his Master's Degree from Pepperdine University following retirement in 1973.

He served as Commanding Officer, Naval Station, Norfolk; USS Waccamaw (AO-109), and Attack Squadron-12. He served in various carrier squadrons and flag staff positions including two tours on board carriers in the Tonkin Gulf as carrier division operations officer during the Vietnam conflict.

His awards included the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service medals, Navy Unit Commendation with 3 stars, and the Vietnamese Navy Distinguished Service Order 2nd class. After retiring, he teamed with his wife in authoring and publishing a service-oriented job-hunting guide for veterans.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Caroline “Bee” Steed De Prez, three sons, two daughters, and a twin sister, Suzanne Hartle of San Antonio, Texas. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla, date and time to be announced.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery . The family suggests donations to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.

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