Rich was a living miracle. Rich was the modern day Job, no matter what was thrown his way he kept his strong faith in God. He never let his illnesses define him or let on when he felt sick. He was going to live his life on his terms and not dwell or let anything stop him. He had a fighting spirit and a lot to live for. He loved his wife of 40 years, Genevieve, deeply and he always had her back and was a devoted husband. He had 3 children and raising them and watching them grow was of the upmost importance to him. He had 4 grandchildren and being their Bapa was where he truly shined in life.

Rich grew up in a difficult household taking care of his sisters at an early age. He made their lunches, got them ready for school and drove them where they needed to be. He was always a man of duty and responsibility. His sisters always knew they could count on him, he was a loyal and dependable man.

Rich met his wife on the swim team at community College. They dated a short time and were married on St. Patrick's Day. His marriage to Genevieve brought him back into the Catholic Church and all of his children were raised in the church and attended St. James Catholic school in Perris CA. He attended church every week and lived a christ led life.

In 2000 Rich was diagnosed with a rare heart cancer and was a case study enduring horrific chemo and radiation. Because of the treatment from the heart cancer Rich received a heart transplant in 2010. He had an amazing team of doctors at Loma Linda and the transplant team and he was a favorite patient as he never complained. Rich then had cancer on his scalp that required surgery and removing the skin on his head. In 2021 he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and it was a terminal diagnosis. He fought cancer after cancer and God gave him the gift of more time and he used it to be the best example of a good, Godly man for his children and grand children.

Rich worked as an Orange County deputy sheriff for 25 years. Working long shifts and overtime to provide for his family. He would wake up an extra hour before his shift so he could clean the floors so that his wife, Genevieve, would not have to. His schedule did not always give him a lot of time with his children so he spent many house volunteering at St James so he could see his children during the day. He was a dad who never missed a swim meet or important event. He was a present father, he was never distracted when you were with him. He always answered the phone when you called and would listen to your problems for as long as it took and was actually invested in what was being said. He was always willing to help his family in any situation. He was the one everyone went to for everything. 

In 2009 he collapsed at work having a heart attack and was medically retired after this incident. A testament to his character is that when he collapsed he was moving prisoners around in the jail and it was the prisoners who called for help and saved his life. He always treated everyone fairly and they knew his character and helped him. He was always doing what he felt was the right thing and was a man of high moral character.

Rich was a passionate reader. At times he would be reading 3 different books at once. He had a list of 100 best books he was working through. He instilled this love of reading in his children and grandchildren. Reading countless books to them in their early years. Some of his favorite books he read to them were “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “ Misty of Chincoteague”, “Island of the Blue Dolphins” and so many more. He read to his grandchildren very often as well, bringing the books to life with his impressions and voices of the characters.

He was an excellent writer and was published in the local paper and Sports Illustrated. He had the best Christmas cards that everyone looked forward to receiving every year. He wrote to the parish priests when he needed clarification or he had an opinion on their sermon. Writing is another passion he instilled in his children as they are all compentent, capable writers.

He had strong political opinions and stood for his beliefs never backing down. He always lived by stand for what you feel is right even if you are standing alone mentality. He cared deeply for his country and was a proud American.

Many people describe him as the strongest person they knew. He was dealt a difficult hand in life but he made the best of it and lived a fullfilling and inspiring life. He is a testament to the powers of God and just how strong the human spirit can be and how the will to live can trump medical diagnosis and doctors. He was admired by his children and adored by his grandchildren. They are his legacy, as he spent his life guiding and teaching them and being an example of what a man and father should be. He was a true family man and we are all better to have known and loved him.  

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