Richard Walter Bilek

Richard (Dick) Bilek, 88, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023. Dick was born in Chicago, IL to Arthur and Caroline Bilek. He graduated from University of Illinois with his degree in electrical engineering. He moved to California permanently after being in the Marines in San Diego. He took his first engineering job in Santa Monica but could not forget about Bernadine back in Chicago. Dick and Bernie married in Chicago in January 1961 and set off to start their life in California. Their son, David, was born in Santa Monica. Dick continued his education by earning his master’s degree in engineering from USC and shortly after, he and Bernie moved to Thousand Oaks in 1965, where they later had their daughter, Vicky. They have lived in Thousand Oaks ever since. After his long career in aerospace, Dick retired from Lockheed Martin in 2000. He then found great joy in serving the City of Thousand Oaks as a Volunteer Police Officer in the VIPs program. He served the community in this capacity for over 10 years. Though Dick was a dedicated employee and involved member of the community, more importantly, he was a man of true character. He was kind, sincere, honest, and hardworking with a great love for his family. Dick leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Bernadine; son, David; daughter-in-law Bryce; daughter, Vicky; son-in-law, Greg; granddaughter, Natalie; and grandson, Chris. Dick is preceded in death by his father, Arthur; mother Caroline; and brother, Chester. Visitation Friday April 21st, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Richard Modell Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5725 S. Pulaski Road followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Turibius Church, 5646 S. Karlov Avenue, Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. For more info please call 773-767-4730