Richard Leroy Vial
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Leroy Vial on September 19, 2021 following a sudden illness at the age of 78. Dad leaves behind Suzie, his loving wife of 48 years, four sons Richard (Tammie), Kevin (Sheri), David (Laura) and Jon (Jenny), grandchildren Samantha, Jayson, Alex, Matthew (Nikki), Austin, Brandon, Leeanna, and Evelyn, his sister Patricia Moore (Paul), brother Robert Vial (Lois), and numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
Growing up in Susanville, California and graduating from Lassen High School in 1960, Dad was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball for the Grizzlies. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno playing football for the Wolf Pack and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting while raising two of his four children.
Except for a two-year stint in Anchorage, Alaska working at the Captain Cook Hotel and learning the hotel business, Dad spent the majority of his professional career in gaming starting at Harrah’s in the slot department where he advanced to financial systems analyst after he graduated from college. He would go on to work in various executive positions including financial supervisor, controller, and internal auditing at Harrah’s, Comstock Hotel and Casino and the Peppermill. He would eventually oversee assist in the opening of several casinos including the Cal-Neva in North Shore Lake Tahoe with Charles Bluth, and the Alamo with former Lieutenant Governor and Reno Mayor Robert Cashell.
After a period of time consulting for several tribes in the Midwest, he and Suzie moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin where he worked with the Oneida Tribe at the Oneida Casino, the State of Wisconsin as a gaming regulator, and eventually earned a Master’s degree in Project Management at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.
Outside of the casino industry Dad was affiliated with Hot August Nights and the Nevada State Fair for many years. He and Suzie were also owners and co-owners of four small businesses in Reno and Sparks.
Dad was an active and lifelong member of the Lassen High School Alumni Association; Sigma Nu Fraternity; the UNR Alumni Association, and a long-time supporter and ticket holder for numerous UNR sports.
He stayed active playing fast-pitch softball, bowling, hunting, fishing, camping and all things outdoors. Rich and Suzie attended more
Little League, Pop Warner, and high school sporting events for their kids and grandkids than they can count. Together, they loved camping and fishing and spending time with their numerous friends and family barbecuing in the driveway of their cul-de-sac. They also hosted easter egg coloring and pumpkin carving events for the neighborhood children, attended yearly family gatherings in the California wine country, and alumni events in Susanville with Bob and Lois and Patty and Paul.
He was preceded in death by his father Mario and mother Pauline, his grandson Alex, and the outlaw Auntie Liz.
The love, loyalty and friendship he impressed upon his family and friends will be missed every day.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 27 from 4 pm to 6 pm, followed by a Rosary at 6 pm, both at Walton’s Funeral Home 875 W. Second St. in Reno.
Services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, September 28, at Holy Cross Catholic Church 5650 Vista Blvd. in Sparks, followed by interment at approximately 11:30 am at Our Mother of Sorrows cemetery 2700 N. Virginia St. in Reno.
A wake will be held at 1 pm at Hidden Valley Country Club, 3575 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Reno after the interment.