Capt. Ricardo F. Demartino

[ironputts]

July 5, 2024

Capt. Ricardo F. Demartino
Falcon Senior Squadron 40
California Wing

Ricardo Felix Demartino
MAY 19, 1951 – JUNE 22, 2024

Rick was born in Mexico City on May 19, 1951. His father, Inigo deMartino, was a screenwriter and director. His mother, Merle Skinner, was a model and travel agent. At the age of 3 Rick's family moved to his mother's hometown of Dallas, where they lived across the street from their cousins of similar age, Jim and Carl. After the nationalization of the Mexican film industry, his father started working in Hollywood. At the age of 6, Rick's family moved to Beverly Hills, where he attended Beverly Vista, and then Beverly Hills High, graduating in 1969. As a young teen, he would get up early (a near impossibility for Rick in any other circumstance) and take the bus to Santa Monica to fish before returning to go to school. Always a thrill seeker and not well suited to book learning, he and his brother, Inigo, and friends had many escapades as young teenagers.

Rick graduated high school in 1969 in the midst of the Vietnam war. Rather than wait to be drafted, he decided to join voluntarily so he could have some control over their service commitment. Rick said he chose the Navy because there was a sailor with two cute girls working on a motorcycle at the entrance of the recruitment office, so he thought sailors must be cool. His first ship was such a rust bucket his mother cried. He became a radioman and was subsequently stationed in northern Maine and subsequently on the Tolovana in the Southern Pacific.

After his military service, Rick applied to LAPD. His career spanned over 37 years, during which he worked 5 years in CRASH, 16 years in Narcotics Division, and after promoting to Lieutenant as a Watch Commander in Southeast and Harbor Divisions, then as a Lieutenant 2 in Archangel. Rick finished his career in LAPD as Officer in Charge of the newly constructed jail that replaced the old one at Parker Center. Rick loved working for LAPD, and kept delaying retirement with various excuses such as "I need to "promote one more time so I can get more money in retirement" or "we should take full advantage of DROP".

Rick loved to fish and liked to participate in annual trips to Mexico and Alaska with his dedicated group of fellow fishermen. In addition to his love of fishing, he was an avid hunter who tried to hunt in Wyoming at least once a year. He brought home many trophies which adorn the walls of his den. In the mid-70s he decided he wanted to get his pilot's license, which led to the purchase of a partnership interest in a Cherokee in 1992. The kids soon outgrew that plane pretty quickly so he was forced him to upgrade to a Cherokee Six, in which family and friends enjoyed many adventures. He skied in the Police Olympics once, just for fun. He jumped out of an airplane for the same reason. He golfed whenever he could. Of his four main hobbies, he said he liked golf the best, although he spent more time fishing than golfing. He once said he would rather fish than travel, but after being forced by his wife to go to Great Britain, Italy, Peru and Egypt, he agreed travel was fun. His love of classic cars led him to purchase 2006 Mustang GT (red of course), a 1959 Chevy Biscayne, a 1979 Triumph Spitfire, and finally a bright red Camaro 2SS convertible.

Rick loved to learn new skills. He taught himself how to play the ukulele from YouTube, taught himself leather craft and how to fly radio controlled planes. He also invented many useful items and made them in the garage.

Rick really enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise in various areas with others (sometimes whether you wanted his advice or not) and mentored many people both young and old. A continuing theme throughout his life is his urge to teach.

After retirement, he joined the Huntington Beach Fishing Club and Civil Air Patrol, which fulfilled both his love of flying and being a mentor.

Rick died peacefully in his sleep just after midnight on June 22, 2024, after a four year battle with cancer.

Rick was a beloved husband, proud father, brother, uncle and friend, known for his sense of humor and unique ability to make everyone feel special. He is survived by his wife Valerie, children Danielle and Joseph, brother Inigo, and niece Anna.