Dick Church passed away at home on Sunday, October 9, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was 89 years old.
Dick was born and raised in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1933. He joined the Navy at 18 and served on the USS Boxer aircraft carrier as a radioman during the Korean War.
Following in the footsteps of his father, MGM sound engineer Stan Church, Dick began working on sets with the sound crew at age 22, getting his start on classics such as the musical “Oklahoma!” and TV shows “The Lone Ranger,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Dr. Kildare.” He graduated to the role of sound mixer, a career that lasted 43 years.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Ferrucci, in 1956. In 1962 he moved his family to Pacific Palisades where they raised their children: Danny, Lauren and Andy. He was well-known among children for his Donald Duck impression, pretending to trip and “accidentally” driving up on the sidewalk. His warmth, authenticity and silliness melted hearts. He loved people and was loved back.
He was a long-time member of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church where he was the volunteer sound engineer.
Dick leaves behind his wife, children, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many beloved friends.
We will be celebrating him at the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 20, at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
