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 Richard Frank Bastrire Born in Hanford, California on March 21, 1933, this life-long Visalian passed away on May 18, 2012, at the age of seventy-nine. The first child of Frank Andrea Bastrire and Eva (Monte) Bastrire, Dick had a passion for life and a love for people that was second to no one. Attending school in Visalia and upon graduation from Visalia High School, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing four years of service which included time on Midway Island as a Construction Battalion (C.B.'s) electrician and as a fire control technician (gunner) on the U.S.S. Pasig during the Korean War, he returned to Visalia and began what would be a thirty eight year career with the Pacific Bell Telephone Company. It was during this time that while dragging Main Street, he spotted a beautiful young lady working the ticket booth at the Fox Theatre. He promptly introduced himself to Sue Clevenger. They would later marry and spend over 55 years together. As a young man, Dick developed a passion as a rodeo cowboy. Bareback horse riding, team roping and steer wrestling were the events he excelled in. As with every endeavor he undertook, Dick approached this sport at full speed and with 100% effort. As a member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association, he participated in rodeos and ropings throughout the Western United States, competing at the highest levels of the sport for over twenty years. The effort and drive honed during his rodeo days carried over into all facets of his life. Upon retiring from Pacific Bell, he started an air conditioning business, developing this company into a thriving, successful small business. After retiring from the cowboy scene, he took up bass fishing, eventually becoming the Western States Bass Association champion. Trap shooting was another endeavor that Dick undertook, competing in shoots throughout California. And as an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing were always activities that he loved and seasons that he longed for. Golf filled another role in his competitive life. Never one to tip toe into anything, he was a member of the Visalia Country Club for over 30 years and served on the Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Pismo Beach Senior Mobile Home Park. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge and the Elks Lodge. Be it flying remote controlled airplanes, planting a small (1/2 acre) home garden, card games (Low-ball, Texas Hold-em, Pitch), leather work or wood working, Dick approached every aspect of his life with every ounce of energy and passion within him. Dick's passions and interests filled his life full of family, friends, experiences and hobbies. A devoted family man, son, Bret (Linda) Bastrire and daughter, Patty (Larry) Castro were the pride of his life. Right up until the time his grandchildren Lauren Bastrire, Bryn Bastrire and Lariane Castro were born. Be it a school function, sporting event, play or dance recital, the kids could always count on Papa to be in attendance. He loved his grandchildren. He loved to travel. Sue and he spent countless days and tens of thousands miles exploring the United States in their motorhome with friends. Always making new ones along the way. Fiercely loyal and deeply respectful, the bonds he developed with his friends were everlasting. The importance of these relationships throughout Dick's lifetime were beyond measure. Dick was preceded in death by this parents Frank (Chuck) and Eva Bastrire and brother in law Ted Antognoli. He is survived by this wife of 55 years, Sue Ann, his son Bret (Linda) Bastrire, his daughter Patty (Larry) Castro, grandchildren, Lauren Bastrire, Bryn Bastrire and Lariane Castro and Steven (Marissa) Castro, sisters Shirley (Gerald) Bowles, Angie Antognoli and Linda (Jim) Gragg, Uncle Lawrence (Ida) Romanazzi, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives he touched on his journey through life. On Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. a Celebration of Life will be held at the Pavilion located at the Visalia Cemetery with a reception immediately following at the Visalia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Hospice of Tulare County 900 West Oak Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 or the local chapter of the
110 West Main Street #C Visalia, CA 93291 Condolences may be e-mailed to info@salseranddillard.com
Published in Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register from May 19 to May 22, 2012
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