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BORN
1943
DIED
2016
Richard Chiate Obituary
Chiate, Richard "Richey" 73, of Phoenix, passed away on June 23, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. He was born April 3, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona. Rich graduated from North High in 1961. He was a tremendous baseball player. During his baseball career, he played at North Phoenix High and won the State Championship in 1961. With his American Legion team, they won the National Championship in 1961. He went on to play for Phoenix College and The University of Arizona. Rich worked for Levi Strauss for 10 years. He started and successfully ran, ProClean Inc. for over 35 years with over 100 employees that became friends and family. He was involved with the Arizona Restaurant Association. Rich was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and devoted friend to many friends in all walks of life. His personality made him larger than life. Rich leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Marcia Chiate, daughters and son in-laws, Debbie and Mark LeBrun, Denise and Wally Hale, Dawn and Mike Walther, brother and sister in-law, Gary and Peggy Chiate, 9 grandchildren, Nikki and husband Trevor, Tyler, Cory, Calvin, Hunter, Hannah, Maddy and Jake, nephews, nieces and many other extended family members. A Celebration of Life will be held at Congregation Beth Israel on Monday, June 27 at 12:30pm at 10460 N. 56th Street, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Rich Chiate to Phoenix Children's Hospital, Wounded Warriors or Breast Cancer Association.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Chiate
Tom Cox
February 13, 2018
I'm quite late in paying the Chiate family, and Rich, my condolences I just learned of his passing today. Rich and I started our ProClean companies at the same time....me in Denver and Rich in Phoenix. Scary times starting a company in those days but Rich was a solid confidence builder for me .....so grateful for his friendship.
Darlene Yazzie
November 28, 2016
Just learned of Rich's passing via Rosie. So sorry to hear of your great loss Marcia and family. Rich was an awesome individual as were the employees of Pro Clean back in the late 80's when I worked there. Pro Clean was one of my funnest jobs I loved.
My thoughts and prayers for Chiate family as they move forward. My sincerest condolences.
Connie Thompson
September 20, 2016
Just saw this and it brought back fond memories of Grandpa Chiate. I remember Mr. Chiate attending several of his grandaughter, Nikki's softball games and I remember him being so competitive, yet encouraging and inspirational. My daughter, Stephanie often remarked what a fun grandfather he was. Late condolences to the Le Brun and Chiate families. You were blessed.
Connie and Stephanie
Fargotstein Family
July 11, 2016
Dear Marcia and Family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May all of the wonderful memories help you during this difficult time. Blessings to you all.
Your neighbors,
The Fargotstein Family
Mary Anne Sizemore-Williams
June 30, 2016
Dear Marcia and family,
I met Richey as a classmate at North High, as I did Marcia. Your long marriage is such a testament to the fine human beings you are and have been all these years.
Such a loss for your family....and for all those whose lives this terrific man touched. His legacy will live on.
Gary Brown
June 29, 2016
Rich was my boss from 2002-2010 when the company was still ProClean, Inc. Rich grew the company from just 2 products to start with beginning in 1976. When I left the company 6 years ago, the company represented multi-hundred products with annual revenue over 19 million dollars. He was without a doubt the most decent, generous, employee-oriented and customer-friendly businessman. And he truly was the best boss I ever had. He cared about the people he came in contact with, both personally and professionally. He was a Phoenix, Arizona legendary and iconic businessman, who tried to do the right thing with integrity. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
My condolences go out to Marcia and his entire family of 3 children and grandchildren. I am very sorry your loss. He loved his family very much.
Jerry Fossum
June 28, 2016
I got to know Rich through baseball at Phoenix College and the University of Arizona. However, he was much more than a teammate to me. Our friendship lasted 55 years, even though we ultimately lived far apart. He was truly a caring man with a great sense of humor, eminently successful in business later in life as well as baseball early. Rest in peace Rich. Stay strong Marcia.
Cynthia Ellsworth
June 28, 2016
Wonderful man and great friend. He will be missed.
C L
June 28, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the Chiate family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
Jennine Tautimer
June 27, 2016
What a very sad day this is. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marcia and the family. Rich was a genuine human being. I believe he touched everyone's life he met in one way or another He was a very generous and caring man. It was a pure pleasure to work for him. He will be deeply missed.
June 27, 2016
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and extend our deepest condolences. May the God of all comfort embrace you during this difficult time and may peace of mind find its way to you with each passing day.
Don Freeman
June 27, 2016
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you Marcia and your family. We were all honored to have known Rich, he was such a great person and he will be dearly missed.
The Freeman Family.
Don, Jo, Connor and Blake
sheila barrette
June 27, 2016
A kinder, gentler man I will never have the honor to know. He cared for everyone, and would not hesitate to lend a hand or a kind word..His love for his family was boundless,and he considered everyone family. You will truly be missed, and forever loved.
Mark & Betty Hester
June 27, 2016
To the entire Chiate extended family - Our condolences and blessings to all of you... and God's speed to Rich. Its never easy to loose a loved one, but we pray your hearts will be filled with great memories of the fun and loving guy Rich was. He will be missed. Mark and Betty Hester
Margo Kalfas
June 27, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you Marcia and your family. Rich was such a wonderful man, and I was honored to have known him.
--Margo Kalfas
Margo Kalfas
June 27, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Marcia. Rich was a wonderful man and I am honored to have known him. -- Margo Kalfas
June 27, 2016
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the entire LeBrun family. Richey sounds like he was wonderful person and was loved dearly by you all. Our deepest sympathy - Peggy and Jim in Minnesota
June 27, 2016
Will truly miss our good buddy Rich. He was the best. Jack Grehan.
kimberly
June 27, 2016
Sending my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed your funny stories at the hospital in Peoria. You were a joy to work with & had so much motivation. Marcia it was a pleasure to know him & you.
Kimberly
Jim Jordan
June 27, 2016
Dear Marcia, Denise and the Chiate family,
I am so sorry for the passing of Richey.
For 30 years I have had the pleasure of knowing him - every time Richey's name was mentioned a smile came to all's faces involved -immediately followed by a hard belly laugh.
No better guy or family man.
As his loss is difficult to all, the simple mention of his name will still always bring us all a smile.
My prayers are with you all,
Jim Jordan
Werner Buchmann
June 27, 2016
My good Friend Rich,
You will always be in my heart. Thank you so much for all you have done. You're missed already.
I am so sorry for your loss Marcia. I cannot imagine how you feel. Karen and I love you guys very much.
Our love and best regards to you and your family.
Werner and Karen Buchmann
wendy kelman
June 26, 2016
I worked in the industry with Rich for 30 yrs. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Joe & Laurie Barba
June 26, 2016
Laurie and I send our since condolence. Rich was one of a kind. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Chiate
Allen Bauer
June 26, 2016
In the world of genuine GOOD GUYS Rich was an unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer. I will always remember our North High days(State Baseball Champs-1960),Phoenix College days(National JC Champs 1962), our continual talks about the D-Backs and the baseball reunions at your house.You have an un-believable family and our condolences go out to them. RIP my friend and hope to see you in the next game. Allen and Pat Bauer and Family
June 26, 2016
To the Chiate Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Hollis & Sandie Phillips
June 26, 2016
Dear Marcia & family,
Please know that all of you are in our prayers. We are so very sorry for your great loss. There are not enough words to describe Rich except that he was the epitome of a husband, father & friend! Rich made everyone laugh & feel special. Such a loving & caring man. You are a blessed family for having this great man be your husband, father & grandfather.
We are sorry that we won't be there at his celebration of life but know that Rich would be delighted that we are on our family vacation. I know that he loved your family vacations.
Love,
Hollis, Sandie & Mark Phillips
Tim & Kim Cobb
Kelly Murphy
June 26, 2016
Rich was one of the kindest and funniest people I have ever met-I could never tell if he was complimenting or insulting me but it always made me laugh!! He filled a room with love and laughter and always made me feel welcome. Such a wonderful man and such a wonderful family-I'm blessed to have known him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Don & Joni Feldman
June 25, 2016
Rich, you will always be in my heart, you were the most giving, fun loving person I have ever known.
There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled. Love and hugs to all the Phoenix Chiates.
Chiates FOREVER
June 25, 2016
This is a very sad day. Our hearts go out to Mrs. Chiate and the Chiate family. Mr. Chiate is one of the finest men I have ever known. He was my mentor in business and in how to treat people, by his example. He always called me "Johnny me boy," in an Irish accent. He made me feel like I was his most important employee and I bet that every person that ever worked for him felt the same way. His sense of humor was legendary (and cringe-worthy at times). He was sort of a cross between Henry Youngman and Don Rickles. I will miss him. Rich's spirit will live on in the hearts of the thousands of people whose lives he touched. He certainly had a positive affect on my family.
God bless. Jack and Helene Burback
David Ayers
June 25, 2016
My deepest regards to you Marcia, and your entire family. I remember playing basketball with Richy before we graduated. I didn't know him but I new he would take care of you. In 65 my Sargent told me when we lost someone, all we can do is keep on keeping on. I've tried to live my life like that when a loss hits home, It's not much comfort, but it's what we do for our families. So keep on keeping on. You can do it.
Dick Deibner, Jr.
June 25, 2016
I had Richey in some of my classes NPHS and I always like Richey......What a great baseball talent and a great guy.
I am glad we met and enjoyed a few laughs together..............Schemo
Jack and Mary Anne Stipp
June 25, 2016
Rich was a class act that gave his heart and soul to his family and his extended family the employee's that worked for Pro Clean Arizona. With Rich's passing there will be a void that will likely never be filled again by a dynamic fair minded business man and friend. Marcia our hearts go out to you and your family on the loss.
Amy Hatch
June 25, 2016
You will fondly be remembered as a great softball coach, a caring husband and father, a successful and honorable businessman, and an all around sweet and funny guy, Mr. Chiate. You did well in this life, which is evident by the beautiful family that will carry on your legacy and will always hold you close to their hearts.
My heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Chiate and the rest of the family. My heart is saddened knowing the significance of your loss. You are, and will remain, in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Chiate. You will be missed by so many!
Karen Scardino
June 25, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Chiate family. Rich was a very special person, their will always be a special place in my heart for him. He was the most thoughtful, kindest person I have meant in a long time. His love for his family, friends, and life in general was amazing. I the short time I knew him he left an everlasting impression on me and I will always be thankful that I had the pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace and watch over all of us.
Jan Haase
June 25, 2016
It is a sad day! He was one of a kind, generous and giving. I will always remember the great cigar dinners that Rich hosted, such good firiends and fun times.
Eugene Jarzab
June 25, 2016
Oh My God! Please Bless Rich, and his family. Rich and family are in my prayers. This is shocking sad news. I haven't seen Rich in a number of years, but the last time I saw him he just made EVERYONE he met feel Special and appreciated. You could always see the face of God in him and his wonderful Smile. Rest in the arms of God my friend! Job Well Done!
Dennis Starkins
June 25, 2016
Richie, always that great smile and positive attitude, you are a good man and friend. Thank you for all those baseball reunions you hosted at your home, you will be missed by everyone, R.I.P.
June 25, 2016
To the Chiate Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Ryan and Lindsay Bradley
June 25, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the Chiate and their families. May The Lord give you peace during this difficult time. I will always remember Rich as a mentor that made a quick on me. Thank you for what you gave me Rich like you did with many, so I may also give back. In Him,Ryan and Lindsay Bradley
Ed and Maria Chilleen
June 25, 2016
So sorry to hear this we did business over the years and he was such a great guy.
Rhita Shepherd
June 25, 2016
My very first boyfriend at the age of 10! Held my hand and taught me how to ride my bike..and play ball.......R.I.P. my old friend. Baruch dayan emet,,; Blessed is The True Judge".
Rhita Shepherd
June 25, 2016
You will always be remembered for holding my hand and teaching me to ride my bike when I was 10 years old. My first "boyfriend".... Rest in peace Richey.. Baruch dayan emet, (Blessed is the true Judge.)
Candice Navel
June 25, 2016
Rich was a prince among men!
Bill Hyder
June 25, 2016
Too much to say and too hard to say it. Rich I just made a bet on the "Wildcats" for you.
Ron Bratcher
June 25, 2016
The world is poorer today with Rich's passing. He is a true Arizona legend and one of our most colorful and gregarious friends. His generosity and sense of humor were always in his lifestyle. I miss him already. Love you Rich. We shall treasure your memory.
Condolences to Marcia and family
Love to you all.
Ron Bratcher
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