Richard D'Arezzo

1926 - 2016

Richard D'Arezzo
February 15, 1926 - May 9, 2016
Resident of Martinez
Richard passed away on May 9, 2016 after a very short illness with his children at his side. Richard was known as a gregarious, caring and kind hearted person who put others first. Richard had a joy for life that was infectious and he maintained an intellectual interest in a wide range of topics through reading, discussion, new experiences, and a wide range of interests.
A resident of California for 85 of his 90 years. Richard was born on February 15, 1926 in Guadalajara, Mexico where his family had relocated from Los Angeles due to his father's job. After returning to Los Angeles in the late 1920's Richard and his brothers worked as child extras in movies and entertained live audiences as the "D'Arezzo Brothers" giving speeches and playing their accordions. The family moved to the East Bay in 1940. Richard graduated from Oakland High School at the age of 16 and shortly before his 17th birthday entered UC Berkeley. Richard met his college sweetheart and future wife Mary Toscani while both attended UC Berkeley. After a change of major, and time out for World War II era military service Richard received his BA in 1949 and his MBA in 1956 both from UC Berkeley.
After Richard and Mary were married in Oakland in 1949 they made their home in the East Bay. Richard worked for several companies before settling into a 30 year career in with the General Electric Company. A job assignment with GE resulted in a 7 year residence in Fresno and then return to the East Bay in 1967 living in Concord and then Martinez. Richard's children were the center of his life. Richard actively supported all of their activities by being on committees, chairing committees, carpooling, and attending numerous recitals, plays, concerts, and sport competition.
Following the passing of his college sweetheart Mary, Richard was married again in February 1995 to Elinor Manuel who was a friend of Richard and Mary's from UC Berkeley. They enjoyed 12 years of fun and travel before Elinor's passing in 2007.
Richard's joy for life will live on through his children daughter Catherine (Matthew) of Sacramento, Gregory (Brooke) of Clayton, and beloved granddaughter Gianna. Survived also by his brother Bud, sister Kathleen, sister-in-laws Wanda D'Arezzo and Loice Toscani, 17 nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. Predeceased by his parents, wives Mary and Elinor, sons Stephen and Michael, and brothers Robert and William.
Friends are invited to attend services at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish 606 Mellus St. in Martinez on Friday, June 10th at 10:30 am to be followed by a lunch reception. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations in Richards memory may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Anne's Home, 300 Lake St., San Francisco, CA 94118
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, Fairfield CA, (707)425-4697. Acknowledgements may be made at www.bryanbraker.com.


View the online memorial for Richard D'Arezzo