Richard Louis Sicol

Mr. Richard L. Sicol passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in Alhambra, California at the age of 91. He was of the Catholic faith.

Born to Agatha Gessner Sicol and Dominic Sicol in Gary, IN, Richard grew up with a curiosity for how things worked. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and later completed a Master’s degree at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) in Pasadena, CA.

For more than 30 years, Richard was a designer of navigation and mapping systems for interplanetary and Earth- and lunar orbiting satellites at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena. His work helped guide countless missions that expanded humanity’s understanding of our planet, the Moon, Mars and beyond. He leaves a lasting legacy in the field of space exploration.

He is survived by his loving nieces and nephew:
• Debi Shinners, Antioch, TN
• Laura Willner, Campbell, CA
• Craig (LoAn) Shinners, San Jose, CA

All three were raised in Murray, KY. He is also survived by five great nieces and great nephews Harrison (Hana) of San Jose, CA, Drew (Leah) Willner of New Haven, CT, Matthew and Joana Shinners of San Jose, CA and Gwen Hoang of Spokane, WA as well as his long time companion, Helen Seagull of Ontario, CA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Joan Shinners who was a Murray resident for over 42 years.

A private, family entombment will be held at Murray City Cemetery.

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Richard Sicol by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.