I am very sad to report the death of my dear friend and USS Indianapolis CA-35 Survivor Richard (Dick) A. Paroubek, Yeoman 1st Class, who entered the Navy from Skokie, IL, was formerly of Williamsburg, VA. and most recently living in Cincinnati.  Nicknamed "the Triggerman", he allegedly at one point carried the actual trigger device onboard the Indianapolis used in the first atomic bomb.

Dick was one Survivor I recall who always had a smile on his face 24/7.  He was thoughtful, soft-spoken, and always had a firm grip.  He suffered lifelong injuries, especially to his esophagus, from his ordeal in the water 65 years ago, but he never let it get him down.  An avid golfer, he was often seen playing the superb courses at Ford's Colony near the James River in WIlliamsburg, VA, where he lived for many years.

Dick and wife Ann, a former US Navy nurse, have three children...Richard, Mary & Ellen, and many wonderful grandchildren.  Ann preceded Dick and I am sure is with him now in a very wonderful place.

Dick was one of the group of USS Indianapolis Survivors to travel to the Senate hearings in the late 1990's seeking the exoneration of Captain Charles McVay, along with a dozen or so of his beloved shipmates, and young Hunter Scott.  Dick's presence there was especially important because the Survivors desperately needed the support of Senator John Warner at the time, and Dick was a constituent of Senator Warner's state of Virginia.

Dick spent his time in the water with a very distinguished group that included Father Conway, Dr. Haynes and Commander Lipski, among others.  He was picked up by the USS Cecil Doyle. 

Visitation/Service is scheduled for St Rose Church in Cincinnati on Thursday Feb. 25th at 9:30am.  Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA...date to be announced when determined.

Obituary notice and guestbook can be viewed at http://dunes.cincinnati.com/announce/default.aspx?id=38655



-- Edited by Indyson18 on Tuesday 23rd of February 2010 10:54:12 AM