Peter Richard (Dick) Reva

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Peter Richard (Dick) Reva

1932 ~ 2023

Peter Richard (Dick) Reva passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in San Diego, California. He was born September 8, 1932, in the coal mining community of Hiawatha, Utah to Anthony and Jennie (Rahaula) Reva.

As a first-generation Italian American born at the tail end of the Great Depression, he learned the necessity of both hard work and frugality. These, among other traits, served as cornerstones of his character throughout his life.

In 1950, he graduated from Carbon High School in Price, Utah. Then, in 1952, he made the decision to join the United States Navy, where he would spend the next 20 years as a submariner traveling the world and for another three years as a naval recruiter. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at San Diego Gas & Electric, where he spent another 20 years working as a supervisor before retiring.

Dick was fortunate enough to have two great loves during his life: His wife Barbra J. Reva, who unbeknownst to the rest of his family, he met and married while stationed in Hawaii in 1961, until her passing in 1994. He married his second wife Carol in 1996 until her passing in 2001. Dick never had children of his own, but was fortunate to have a stepdaughter, Cristina, whom he had known her entire life.

Though born and raised in Utah, it was San Diego, California he identified as home. He was a fixture in his neighborhood throughout his life and could be seen walking around the neighborhood with his friends always willing to help in any way he could. This virtue was repaid later in life when his friends and neighbors were there for him in more ways than there are words to express.

Dick was a lifelong learner. Years of Spanish lessons would provide many a story and a warm “Hola” from friends and family. For many years he studied tai chi and was also willing to teach you if given the opportunity. He never owned a cell phone and never had a computer. He was a lifelong writer of letters to friends and family and his one-of-a-kind handwriting will be missed.

Dick was preceded in death by his wives Barbra and Carol as well as his sister Sherrie. He is survived by his sister Arlene Vuksinick and his brother John Reva.