Ralph “Dee Dee” Richard Arviso, 73, passed away at his home in Hemet, California on January 12, 2021. . He was the youngest of six children, born on April 2, 1947, to Alfred “Chucker” and Concepcion “Connie” Arviso in Lodi, California. He attended Alberhill Elementary School, Wildomar Elementary, Elsinore Union High School, and Riverside City College. During his marriage to Lynne Haun, they had two children, Gina Rose LaBella (Nic) and Allen Richard Arviso.
Dee Dee grew up in Alberhill making many memories and friends. He liked to share those “good ol’ days” during family gatherings. At age 10, after the death of his father, his talent in athletics excelled as he was coached and supported by his Arviso uncles. It all started for Dee Dee and his brother, Bo, when Little League came to Elsinore. They were a team, Bo pitched and Dee Dee was the catcher. At EUHS, he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. One of his favorite stories was when, at RCC, Bo hurt his leg and he had to step in to play safety and made three interceptions! After college, they both played for the Soboba Men’s Club, a traveling fast pitch softball team. In his later years, always a competitor, he found the game of golf. He also found joy playing chair volleyball with the Rincon Seniors.
Family was everything to him. Everyone loved being around him because of his sense of humor, storytelling, and carefree attitude. He loved seeing those around him smile. Never missed a family gathering, and even cooked his special dish of hot links and torts, and of course his famous tater salad! He also shared his love of camping with his children and grandchildren.
After his retirement from Southern California Edison, he enjoyed traveling throughout the US and the world with the Rincon Senior Club. Far away trips included Italy, France, Honolulu, Canada, Samoa, along with cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal and the Caribbean. What made these trips special was that his brothers and sisters joined him. His mother, even into her 90’s, also enjoyed some of these trips. He was often heard to repeat Mama’s mantra, “Make do with what you have.” Even though Dee Dee was a frugal man, he liked to gamble playing blackjack and the slots. He would say knowing when to walk away was key! Every day he looked forward to the puzzles in the Press-Enterprise. He was often seen with that newspaper stuck in his back pocket. Most recently, he decided to take on the project of restoring his 1966 Mustang with his son and son-in-law, Nic.
Along with his daughter and son, Dee Dee is survived by two granddaughters, Kristin Gonzalez (Enrique) and Sara Arviso, one great-grandson, Gabriel Gonzalez. Also, sisters Frances Auge (Gus), Caroline Hale (Orv), Juanita Ellison (Roy), brothers Thomas (Nora) and Gilbert. He is also survived by his companion, Marilyn Meyer.
Services will be held on Saturday Feb 20th 2021, at 10am at the Rincon Indian Reservation Cemetery
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