FUNERAL HOME

Higgins Chapel

1310 A Street

Antioch, California

Richard Pato Obituary

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.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Jul. 14, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pato

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Pato's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Richard Pato

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Higgins Chapel

1310 A Street, Antioch, CA 94509

How to support Richard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Pato's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more