Richard was a man of resilience, showing everyone through his example what it really means to dig deep and find strength to rise to any challenge. The words "I can't" were foreign to him - for he understood that with both resilience and the courage to try, he would always find a way to make "I can't " become "I can". If you were ready to cast something off as broken, he would take it, learn all that he could about it and breathe new life into it - hoping to give you the courage that you might one day do the same.

For all of his strength, he also knew how to live life with real joy, lighting up any room with his smile and always wanting to create joy and magic for others. Though he's gone from us so soon, his way of life and example will always live on in his family, his friends, and anyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Maggie Zapata; daughter Amanda Contreras and son-in-law Rory Contreras; son Andrew Zapata and daughter-in-law Ellen Friedman; daughter Natalie Zapata; and four grandchildren.

Richard was predeceased by his brother, Albert Zapata, his father, Joe Zapata, and his mother, Irma Zapata. He is also survived by his siblings Joe Zapata, Lisa Zapata, and Michael Zapata, and extended family.