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Richard Tovar Obituary
"For what is it to die but to stand in the sun and melt into the wind" Richie was a rock star. Music was his world. He passed away on March 16, 2011 at the age of 38. He was born on Feb 5th, 1973 to Jose Tovar and Angela Watts. He is survived by his parents, brothers Patrick and Robert Tovar (Margarita), brother-in-laws, Shay Walker and Paul O'Farrell (Kristina), step-sister Eve Watts, and step-brother Stewart Watts. He also is survived by his wife, Shannon, children, Hannah, Sid, Nadia, and Stella. He was an outstanding employee of Crescent Crown for 12 years. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5:00 - 8:00p.m. Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, 602-944-1564. Celebration of Life Service at Community Church of Joy, 21000 N. 75th Ave., Glendale (North of the 101 on 75th Avenue) at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 23. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund for the children at Wells Fargo Bank, #6836058385. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to submit online condolences.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Tovar
Robert Tovar
September 17, 2025
Been on my mind and in my heart. Look forward to meeting up with you. You got two nieces who know about you. Never had the opportunity to know you.
Miss and love you.
Adam Avery
March 14, 2024
Hey Richie- I´m still catching concerts at every turn and still look forward to our music debates. It´s weird, today your name came up when I was talking to Bernie with Crescent crown(Miller/Coors) and how long you´ve been gone. We were chatting because in 2 weeks I´ll finally be retiring from Safeway after 35 years. Time has flown on bye. Anyhoo- just wanted to let you know that you were thought of still as much as all of us miss you. Ttyl.
Malakai Tovar
October 28, 2020
Hey, it’s your kid :) I continue to miss you everyday and I wear this necklace around my neck in memory of you. You were the best dad ever even though I didn’t know you long. Love you so much
April 18, 2011
Hollywoode
March 30, 2011
My heart goes out to your whole family. Richie, I will miss seeing your smiling face. I am so blessed to have met you. May peace be with you and your family.
Meghan Souder
March 26, 2011
I've known you for so long, and while I didn't see you often, I always had that to look forward to. Time with you, Shannon and your amazing children. They will carry on that light you had about you. You will definitely be missed!
Alina (McCoy) Bergum
March 25, 2011
I will always remember you strumming out The Cure to me with that big smile on your face when you were first learning how to play (real music) on the guitar and the time you brought your "new" Corvair to our (Susan) apartment. What a soft beacon of light you were back then. Never rude or bold but consistant and kind. My heart goes out to your family, children and people who were able to call you friend.
Ona Anderson-Watkins
March 25, 2011
My heart goes out to the family. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Richie will be missed!
Adam Avery
March 24, 2011
First, my deepest sympathy to Shannon and the children. Richie.... our long debate on music will always be remembered.... and be continued at another time.
March 24, 2011
Even though we didnt hang out that often, the times we did were always a good time. You even showed me how to make soyrizo, which i still make today. My heart goes out to Shannon and the kids. You will be missed.
Shannon Tovar
March 24, 2011
What can I even say babe? I can't bring you back. I will always be a good mom. I loved you the most and will have a broken spirit for quite a while. Please continue to program the car radio with good tunes. I need that. I love you, hope you're kicking it with Ian, syd and jimi. Forever a Tovar, Shannon
Dinah Gans
March 23, 2011
I didn't know you very long Richie but you were a good person and you will be missed by so many people. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to get to know you better.
Tracy Dove-Coppen
March 23, 2011
Gone too soon. Prayers and love to Shannon, the children and family.
Mechelle Kirkland
March 23, 2011
Richie,
You will forever be remembered. My love goes out to all who's lives you have touched. Rock out in the heavens.
Jim Constantino
March 23, 2011
Our prayers are with you all.
Jim & Joyce
March 23, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rachel Castro
March 23, 2011
Always a kind person. Richie will be missed.
Kristen Berk
March 22, 2011
You are in the hearts and minds of many, perhaps more than you'd ever know. Thinking of you and your family...
Souder Family
March 22, 2011
We love you!
Michael Potts
March 22, 2011
Love ya Richie. Jam out in the heavens.
Amber Souder
March 22, 2011
I'm heart broken. You always had a loving, kind spirit. I love you and promise to always be there for Shannon and your beautiful children. Rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten.
kitty
March 22, 2011
Richie, i met you at a whorchatas show, and the last time i got to see you was at a whorchatas show...u were a rock star!!! i loved how genuine you were...i enjoyed chillin and talkin and listenin to u play guitar. My fondest memory is always gonna be when i brought u cake and chocolate covered strawberries over for your birthday. u are missed!!
xoxo
kitty
Casey Smith
March 22, 2011
I have no words. Once again Richie- you have left me speachless~
I love you & hope your next adventure is as amazing as this one was. You made life a little more interesting, Sir. You are already missed~
chelsea colby
March 22, 2011
so sad to see you go! we will all miss you very much. much love.
Jay Bennett
March 22, 2011
Richie. We were just getting to know you. In our handful of conversations, I recognized a kindred spirit. You're a true rock 'n' roller, and I'm gonna miss you.
March 22, 2011
Thank you for the beautiful children you've blessed us with. You all are amazing and special. Your father will always be with you. My heart goes out to you. I love you Sid, Nad, Stella and of coarse Hanna.
John` Belak
March 22, 2011
It was truely an honor to know Richie. What a smart, funny, and genuine person. Richie, I will miss you, and I thank you for being my friend and being who you were. I will always smile when I here the name Richie Tovar. Be with God in Peace and happiness.
Toby & Andrea Thompson
March 21, 2011
You were my bestest music buddy, no one else could listen to music and love it the way you did. Sad your no longer here to share in those long awesome listening sessions anymore. You were a loving Husband and adoring Father and we will cherish our time spent with you in this life. Love you Richie.
Stacey Steiner
March 21, 2011
After seeing you a few days before at your final, farewell show...I am shocked and deeply saddened. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family and many friends.
Christina Gerrish
March 21, 2011
Your passion and knowledge of music astounded me. To see your face light up when you talked of your favorite music was something I will never forget. I may not have known you for very long, but you have left an impression on my heart that will never be replaced. You will be missed. Much love to Shannon, the kids and the family.
Tana Youmans
March 21, 2011
I'm so glad to have known you Richie. I will forever remember the good times we had sharing the stage together throughout the years. There is no one else like you my friend. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in their time of need.
Lisa Brown
March 21, 2011
My heart goes out to Shannon and the kids. All my love is with you guys during this difficult time. He will never be forgotten.
KRYS PEREZ
March 21, 2011
RIP RITCHIE! YOU WERE A PART OF MY NANAS SIDE OF THE FAM AN YOU WORKED WITH MY TIO AN MY FIANCE! YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED :( GOD HAS SENT FOR ANOTHER ANGEL MAY U REST IN PARADISE! .....KRYS .P
ANDREA COOPER
March 21, 2011
i love you cousin can't believe your gone u will missed by many I LOVE YOU!!!
Sharon Labor
March 21, 2011
Richie, I will miss your smile and good nature. You are very special and I will cherish getting to know you. I will forever miss you and I will never forget you. Rock on my dear friend.
Erin Frisbie
March 21, 2011
With a heavy heart you are deeply missed. I am so very thankful that I got to get to know you and share in the joy you always brought to any place we were. You were and will always be one of a kind. I love you and miss you and will always keep you, shannon and the kids in my thoughts and prayers. Never stop rockin!
Leticia Salas
March 21, 2011
My heart n prayerz g0 0ut 2 the Tovar family. Tia Rita,I l0ve u n im here if u need anythng. B strng!
gilbert tovar
March 21, 2011
you were one of a kind...im your younger uncle but i still looked up to you.....down to earth dude, we will miss you bra...rockn roll or skate or die......ur lil unk
March 21, 2011
Although I did not know you personally, I know you were a very special part of my Sons life ! My heart and tears go out to your Family and Children as they try to deal with your leaving them so early, and praying you found peace.. ROCK ON....
March 21, 2011
words cannot express the void you have left us. I miss you more everyday. Listening to music eating laughing . I wish you peace my friend. I love you
~ Malania McGuigan
Drea Gonzales
March 21, 2011
Richie, you were such a huge part of my life, i am so glad I got to know you and become close to you. You've made such a huge impact on me. I will always carry you in my heart. Thank you for all the good memories, the crazy shows we played together, and the heart to heart talks we had about our bands and about life. I love you my friend. My prayers go out to the family, Shannon and the kids.
Darris {ReX} Mikl
March 21, 2011
It was my honor to have known you,thank you for all the good times and great mucic
{Rock In Paradice}
March 21, 2011
In the short time we were friends you were very intense and left a huge impression on me. I will miss your pranks and sense of humor the most. There will never be another like you and I'm going to really miss you!!!
~tOm lAman
Hortencia Girardot Tovar
March 21, 2011
You will forever be in our hearts mijo. May you Rest In Peace.
Peggy Piepenbrock
March 21, 2011
I knew Richie for about 11 years. He was my friend and I will miss him everyday. you sing with the best rockers in heaven and I will hear you then.
Peggy P.
Christy Bralish
March 21, 2011
I worked with Richie for many years at Crescent Crown....all the way back to the "Miller" days!!! I absolutely ADORED him, even though he tried to play the "shy" guy..... He was very funny once he allowed you to get to know him....... I have MANY GREAT MEMORIES of working along side him...... may his family know that he was well respected and much loved! My heart weeps with tremendous sorrow...... ROCK ON RICHIE.......... ROCK ON!!!
Aounmious
March 21, 2011
Richie was Like An Uncle. He was the Best
Amanda
March 21, 2011
It was a pleasure knowing you. My peace find you and your family.
We will miss you friend
Frank Labor
March 19, 2011
Frank Labor
March 19, 2011
I didn't know Richie long but I feel close to him just the same. He was a special person and I feel very lucky to have meet him. My heart goes out to Shannon, his children and all his family and friends.
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