Obituary of Richard C. Crete

Richard Clifton Crete, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, was born in Lodi on June 16, 1923 to Michael and Leta Crete. He attended Salem Elementary School, Lodi Union High School and continued his formal education at Fresno State. He joined the military and became an elite night fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy Air Corps. His love for flying continued throughout his life. He passed away peacefully on November 23, 2006. Dick had many passions, not only for flying but also for family and photography and opened Crete's Camera Center in Lodi with his brother Charles in 1953. His one camera center grew to four portrait studios in Northern California. Crete Studios became a household logo for thousands of senior high school students who were photographed by Dick and his employees. He was a member of the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club, Elk's Lodge, Model 'A' Club, and American Legion. Dick was also an inventor with numerous patents under his name. After retiring from the photography business, Dick and his brother-in-law Joe Maley bottled and produced one of the Lodi/Woodbridge area's first award winning wines under the label Woodbridge West. Dick loved his family and friends and will be fondly remembered for trips to South Lake Tahoe, bringing everyone together for Super Bowl Sunday gatherings as well as Fourth of July parties, and a barbeque with the Blue Angels. He had the great opportunity to travel to many places and enjoyed each and every one of his experiences. He was married to Betty Maley in 1948 and together they had two children, Michael and Linda, who inherited their father's passion for life's adventures and thus pursued their individual goals to success. Dick also devoted his time to his beloved grandchildren Megan and Andy. Many wonderful memories will live on of Papa showing them the "blip-blips" over the Pacific Ocean at the beach house and numerous trips to air shows throughout the state. Richard Clifton was preceded in death by his father and mother, Michael and Leta Crete, two sisters; Marge and Melba, and brothers; Ellis, Charles, Don, and Bill.