Born on September 26th, 1939, to Paul and Dora Torykian, in Rockville Centre, NY, he was the youngest of three siblings. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, loyal friend to countless people, and guardian angel to perfect strangers. Richard was the embodiment of decisiveness, integrity, loyalty, enthusiasm, courage, and selflessness.

A first generation American, he lived in Rockville Centre until 2017 before moving to San Diego to be close to family. He lived his life not only by the Golden Rule, but also by the United States Marine Corps warrior ethos of Semper Fidelis.

After graduating from Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, Richard went on to receive his BA in Chemistry from St. Michaels College in Vermont and his Masters of Science from St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania. He also obtained an MBA from Adelphi University on Long Island.

His Catholic faith was prominent in his life. It was a guiding light in his mission of service. He was a Knight of Malta, and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. He was also Chairman of the 50th Mercy Ball, which is the single largest fundraising event held for the Friends of Mercy

He was intensely proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps. A member of the 3rd Marine Division, he served in Vietnam from 1965-1966, and was honorably discharged with a terminal rank of Captain.

By all accounts, his sharp wit, sense of humor and timing was a force with which to be reckon in all facets of his life, particularly while serving in the Marine Corps. Even in the face of mortal danger in Vietnam, his moxie, fearlessness and intrepidity were literally life-saving. It earned him the moniker, Field Marshal, by his fellow Marines.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, his business career was focused on Fixed Income securities sales where he was well-respected by his industry. While never straying from his duty of service, he also mentored countless young people who wanted to start a career in finance.

He was instrumental in donating his time, initiative and financial support to causes that aided educational, professional and humanitarian efforts. He was the Founding Member of The Council of Institutional Investors, Founding Member of St. Michael’s College Founders Club, and Founding Director of the Torch Fund at Chaminade High School.

His service on behalf of first responders and military members is legendary. In 1995, he co-founded the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF), a charitable foundation which has provided over $93 million in scholarships and humanitarian assistance, assisting over 4800 children and their families. In addition to his work with MC-LEF, he was a Trustee Emeritus to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York City and was instrumental in acquiring the historic submarine, USS Growler for the museum.

Without the Field Marshal’s work, millions of people would never experience what they do now when they visit the Intrepid and walk through the historic submarine. It was once mused, “If you want to dilly dally around getting something done, have at it. If you want something done right and quickly, call Dick

Torykian.” His fearlessness and inability to take NO for an answer served he and his fellow countrymen and women very well.

While he was an accomplished man in his military, professional and service careers, he would tell you that he was most proud of his family, who he adored and who loved him. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, who he affectionately called “The Warden” and his son, Richard Jr, and his wife Dana, his son, Eric and his wife Juliet, and his son, Jim. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Alexis, Trey, Carleigh, Luke, Will, John, and Elle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation https://www.mc-lef.org/donate and/or the Chaminade Torch Fund https://www.chaminade-hs.org/support/makeagift in Richard’s honor.

A funeral mass with be held on January 15, 2025, at 10:30am, at St. James Catholic Church, 625 N. Nardo Ave., Solana Beach, CA. Burial will be at the Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA at 2:15 PM.