Richard Rauen, the longtime owner of the family-run Verdugo Hardware on Eagle Rock Boulevard, passed away on December 16, 2021 at the age of 96.
Richard, a Los Angeles native, was raised in Glassell Park, attended St. Dominic’s Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he attended Woodbury Business College. Upon graduation, he went to work for the family business, Verdugo Hardware Company, in Los Angeles, which was started by his father in 1921. Originally located on Verdugo Road, the store was moved to 3516 Eagle Rock Boulevard in 1939, where it remained until the business was closed in 2015.
Richard married his wife, Frances Guyomard, in 1949. They resided in Eagle Rock for many years where they raised three children, Edwin, Steven and Paula.
After 50 plus years at Verdugo Hardware, Richard retired and he and Frances moved to Murrieta in Riverside County in 1998. Edwin and Steve both worked at the store for long stretches before and after their father’s retirement.
Frances passed in 2001 and Richard remained in Murrieta until 2016. He moved into Windsor Manor in Glendale, California until his passing.
Richard is survived by his children Edwin, Steven and Paula, as well as four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Richard lived a long and prosperous life and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
— The Family of Richard Rauen
