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Alfredo Tavarez
January 12, 1945 - November 16, 2021
Fresno, California - On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Alfredo "Rick" Tavarez loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, but most importantly loving husband and father passed away at the age of seventy-six.
Rick was born on January 12 in Fresno, California to Gonzalo and Teresa Tavarez; he was one of fourteen siblings. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1963 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force immediately after where he served in Vietnam. When his tour of duty was over, he returned to Fresno to work at Dow Chemical Company. He met the love of his life, Jo-Ann (Lopopolo), and the two were married on September 27, 1969; five years later they had their son, Richard "Richie." Rick joined the Fresno Police Department not long after his marriage and proudly wore the badge for close to thirty years.
Rick loved music and had a talent for playing the guitar; spending time with nephews in "jam" sessions. Rick also loved painting, drawing, baking, and gardening; he truly had a green thumb. If a hobby piqued his interest, he was not afraid to try it with the results turning out better than he would have ever thought. He had a love for all animals but was fond of his Great Danes and Bassett Hounds. He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and compassionate spirit.
Rick is preceded in death by his wife, Jo-Ann, his parents, Gonzalo, and Teresa Tavarez, as well as his siblings and other loved ones who touched his life in one way or another. He is survived by his son, Richard, his brothers Salvador Tavarez, Raymond Tavarez, Gilbert Tavarez, and his sister, Sally Rocha, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
Visitation on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
Rosary on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
Funeral and Mass on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 2838 N. West Ave., Fresno, CA 93705, graveside services immediately followed at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flower donations to:
Fresno Police Chaplaincy, 3845 N. Clark St. Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93726
Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Administration Office, 1250 W. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93728
Hinds Hospice, For Development, 2490 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Rick was one of my training officers at the Fresno Police Department when I joined back in 1973. It was a comfort to have such a patient, knowledgeable senior officer to guide me. I have this memory of going to his large family meals off of Kearney on our break. Thank you Rick for your guidance.
Mike Agnew
November 29, 2021
The Taravez Family
So sorry to hear the passing of Rick.
We meet met many years ago when Rick was a Police Officer and I was a Deputy Probation Officer. Rick always was always fair and cared about troubled kids .Later our paths met again when I was a Parole Agent needing assistance from FPD. I could always count on Rick. He was a Blessing to work with, always positive and helpful.
RIP Brother
Randy Kevorkian
Randy Kevorkian
November 27, 2021
Rick was a great beat partner over the years at FPD. His unique personality and "matter of fact" responses to various situations were very memorable.
Mark L Brown
Work
November 27, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
November 26, 2021
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Dec
9
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
Dec
9
Funeral services provided by:
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
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