Richard J Papscoe

Richard J. Papscoe passed away peacefully on March 11, 2020. Richard was born on July 21, 1940, in Newark, NJ, the son of Elizabeth and George Papscoe.

His life revolved around his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bettie, and their three children: Terri (John) Warren of Torrance, CA, Richard Papscoe of Monroe, CT, and James (Kristie) Papscoe also of Torrance, CA. He was Papa to seven grandchildren who enriched the later years of his life and he loved tremendously: Michael, Chris, and Katelyn Warren; Kevin and Grace Papscoe; and Jake and Zach Papscoe. He was brother to Eugene (Ana) Papscoe of Houston, TX, Elizabeth (Charles) Verhoff of Oakland, NJ, Robert (Birgit) Papscoe of New Canaan, CT and many nieces and nephews.

As an automotive executive in a global business, overseas assignments were a large part of the Papscoe family existence. The family lived in, and the children attended schools in Belgium, England, Germany, and Italy. When General Motors re-entered Asia in 1990, Richard and Bettie lived in Thailand and the Philippines for a total of six years. While the children could visit, and home leaves occurred each summer, being that far away from the family for so long was quite difficult.

Following retirement, Richard and Bettie lived for a short time in Hohokus, NJ and Savannah, GA before settling in the Palm Springs, CA area where they enjoyed the sunshine and golf. What they really enjoyed, after living so far away from so much of their family for years, was that two of their three children and five of their seven grandchildren were only two hours away. Truly a great way to spend the golden years.

With a BA from Iona College and an MBA from New York University, Richard had a 36 year career with General Motors Corporation, principally in International Operations. Holding many positions over the years, Richard served as Managing Director/Country Manager for GM operations in Italy, Thailand, and the Philippines. A Vice President of General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation, he served on the Boards of Directors of GM Chile and GM Hellas. Prior to retiring in 2000, he headed the Detroit Office of GM Asia Pacific Operations and was deeply involved in the very successful entry of GM into the Chinese automotive market. He was a member of the GM China Business Council.

Due to this national crisis, arrangements are tentative. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his honor to the Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation at providence.org/ptcf or 5315 Torrance Blvd., Suite B-1, Torrance, CA 90503.