Ron Richison passed away in the early morning of January 29, 2026 at his home in Pleasant Hill at the age of 87. He lived, what he said many times, a really good life.

He was born in Los Angeles in 1938 to Georgianna and Walter Richison. He grew up in Watts toward the end of the Great Depression and then the start of World War II, in what he described as very family-centric; spending as much time at his grandparents house as his own. Sunday suppers brought the entire family together; his mom one of 5 sisters, his dad had 2 sisters and 2 brothers. 

At the age of 11, his family moved to Whittier, where he graduated from Whittier High School in 1956. 

After a visit to a handful of Northern California universities with several Whittier water polo pals, a number of them decided to attend Cal. After 2 years of university life, Ron decided to uproot and head to West Point. Maturing through structure and discipline, but suffering through cold winters and a future with the impending Vietnam War, he decided to return to Cal to graduate while also joining ROTC. 

He graduated from Cal in 1962 and reported to Fort Benning, GA for Officer Training. This path took him to Frankfort and Bamburg, Germany as a 2nd Lieutenant  in the 3rd Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regimen attached to the 3rd Infantry.

Upon returning home, in 1964 Ron joined Pete Cutino in coaching the Aquabears Swim Team, student teaching at Albany High School and receiving his teaching credential from Cal in 1965. 

2 years at Del Valle High School, which included starting the Aquabears water polo club and Del Valle water polo team transitioned to Campolindo High School where he also started water polo there. During his time at Campo, the Aquabears water polo club joined Concord Water Polo as an age group program. 

1970 reintroduced Ron to the future love of his life, Marilyn. They wed on June 16, 1971. at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church.

Ron's tenure of teaching and coaching swimming and water polo at Campolindo ended in 1983 when a teaching and coaching friend, and tennis partner, was fired as the Campolindo basketball coach.

After a year of exploring Collegiate coaching at Cal with Pete Cutino, Ron returned to his roots, teaching math and coaching water polo at Acalanes High School. He continued coaching water polo through 1994, retired from teaching in 1998.

His accomplishments as a coach led to him being recognized both locally and nationally.  In 1987, ESPN featured his Acalanes water polo team on Scholastic Sports America. In 1994 Channel 7 (KGO) featured him on Channel 7 Salutes. He was recognized by North Coast Section in 2004 for his legacy as a coach in water polo and 2023 for swimming. 2023 also finally saw his induction into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame. 

Despite retiring, Ron remained close to teaching math and coaching water polo. In retirement, he also found enjoyment watching over his 6 grandkids.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Marilyn, son Charles, Daughter Carolina, and grandchildren Hunter, Rhian, Katrina, Jacob, Colt and Kayleigh.

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