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Richard V. Pato
Sept. 18, 1945-July 10, 2012
Resident of Antioch
Rich passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones after fighting a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born in Antioch, California and raised at the family ranch in Oakley. Rich was the son of Spanish Immigrants, Victor Pato Sr. and Martha Morales Pato. He attended high school at Liberty Union in Brentwood. He received a full scholarship to Fresno State, playing baseball and earned his Bachelor's in Horticulture in 1968 as a member of Delta Sigma Phi.
Rich spent 4 years in Lake Tahoe where he excelled as a snow ski instructor. Trading his snow skis for water, he competed at an elite level as a slalom skier. Rich was a senior rated driver for the American Water Ski Association, recognized at Regional, National and International levels. As he did in college, Rich established friendships that would last a lifetime.
He was employed with the Contra Costa Water District from 1977 until 2004. He retired to concentrate on the loves of his life: family, his vineyard, and watching sports, namely, the SF Giants. He instilled his passion for baseball in his son, Ricky, who currently attends Deer Valley High School and plays left field, #22. Go Wolverines!
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sue, his two adoring daughters from a previous marriage: Monica and Lindsay, his precious grandchildren: Shay, Ireland, and Riley; brother Victor (Carolyn) and many other family and friends who knew and loved his boisterous spirit. We miss him dearly but find comfort in knowing that even heaven shined a little brighter the day Rich made his final journey home.
Visitation services will be held at Higgins Chapel in Antioch on Monday, July 16th from 4:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Funeral Services: Tuesday, July 17th at 11:00a.m., at Golden Hills community Church, Brentwood Campus at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, with a reception to follow. His burial on Wednesday will be private. The family requests memorial donations are made to the Barry Zito "Strikeouts for Troops" fund or the American Cancer Society for Esophageal Cancer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I think of Rich often and still miss his energy and friendship. A part of my winery in downtown Martinez is a legacy to his gift of grape growing to me.
Steve Welch
Friend
July 8, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to Richards family. He'll be dearly missed by many. The memories and his influence on the people he touched will always be there. I know he touched my life. I feel very lucky to have know him and I'm proud to say "That's my niece's dad".
August 6, 2012
Rich, my old friend, who could ever miss your presence at the dock, or in a crowd. I carry the memories from those early days of skiing the Delta for which you stand head a shoulders above the clouds. You certainly left you mark in our hearts and souls. RIP
Don & Claudia Simica
July 27, 2012
Rich was my true friend, and I will miss him dearly. His dedication to fine grape growing will live in me for a lifetime. He changed my life. My prayers to his family always.
Steve Welch
July 17, 2012
To the family of Richard Pato. May God give you Strength, Comfort & Peace. My Prayers are with you.
Carmen Riley
July 17, 2012
Richard had a wonderful passion for baseball and his family that I will always admire, truly a great man!
adam larnach
July 17, 2012
Rich was a great neighbor. We will truly miss him!
Janyce & Bob Svoboda
July 16, 2012
We had a lot of good times with Richard and his family over the years in the snow. I know he put up a good fight and we'll miss him.
Pat Ward
July 16, 2012
Sorry for your loss. Richard was a great guy and always made me smile~
Our thoughts are with you and your family
*Dr Trehan's Office
Tracy Karsten
July 16, 2012
To the family of Richard Pato. He will certainly be missed by all. He was a good man and a hard worker. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Don, Aldo, & Evana Mori
July 16, 2012
I have know Rich for 19 years now and over the past number of years have gotten to know him through Rosenblum Cellars as one of our most ourstanding growers. I have learn so much from working with Rich about what quality looks like in the field and will never forget the lessons I learned from him in the Vineyard. Not only was he a great grower with attention to detail, but he was a genuine gentlemen and a stand up guy who's hand shake was better than a 10 page contract. He shared stories about his son's talent on the field and was so proud of his accomplishments. You could tell by his stories that he had a strong love of his family which I know he will be missed deeply. Peace Be With You Rich.
Ron Pieretti
July 15, 2012
We will miss our very dear friend. Rich was "one in a million". He loved his family and friends and we feel bleessed to have been a part of his life. We will always smile when we think of him! .
Will, Elaine and Kara Bush
July 14, 2012
Rich Pato one if not the best grape grower. I will miss the vineyard walks with Rich!
John Kane
July 14, 2012
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