Richard Stein

In Loving Memory of

Richard Stein

Born March 28, 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Went to the Lord March 30th 2026. He is preceded in death by his father Mahlon Spencer Fernandez and his mother Patricia Grass Fernandez Makekau.

Growing up on Oahu, Richard spent free time playing sports (football, baseball and basketball) and surfing in the Pacific Ocean. He arrived on the mainland for the first time in 1972 to attend college. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of La Verne, and also studied at California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) Pomona and University of Los Angeles (UCLA).

Richard built a successful 35-year career at General Dynamics/Hughes Aircraft/Raytheon Missiles Division. He relocated to Tucson in 1993 to work for Hughes Aircraft. He had many different assignments over those years, including Program Manager, Engineering Manager, Technical Director and finishing his career as Advance Programs Manager STANDARD Missile. He retired in 2014 after meaningful contributions and lasting friendships.

Richard’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband of 33 years to wife Julie, and a loving father to his son, Tyler. He is also mourned by his step mother Toshiko Fernandez, brothers Spencer Fernandez (Liz), Kalani Makekau (Vangie) and Kealii Makekau; as well as four nieces and two nephews.

In retirement Richard embraced life. He loved to play racquetball and could be found on a racquetball court nearly every morning when he was in town. He also loved skiing, hiking, weight lifting, traveling and listening to Hawaiian music. He stayed active until the Alzheimer’s progression took over. He loved animals and found joy in birdwatching.

He was known for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering support to his friends.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held in May. His ashes will be spread in Hawaii at a later date.

If you would like to honor Richard, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org ) or Wounded Warrior Project (https// woundedwarriorproject.org ) in his name.