Richard Aaron Arrington

Richard Aaron Arrington of Alameda, CA, left this life peacefully on April 22, 2025 following a lengthy illness. Born on March 10, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, Richard lived a full life distinguished by tenacity, service, and a deep love of adventure. He is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years Krista Coffman Arrington; his stepchildren Lucas Lee and Monica Lee (David Grange); and his siblings Ron Arrington, Linda Arrington, Bob Arrington, and Barbara Arrington.

After completing officer candidate school, Richard served his country as an Army infantry leader in Vietnam in the late 1960s. He was awarded a Purple Heart and earned two Bronze Stars for exceptionally valorous actions. His lifelong passion for learning helped his transition from military service; he earned a Master of Public Administration and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree; he passed the California bar exam, obtained his real estate license, and became a credentialed special education teacher. His intellectual pursuits were not just academic-they were tied to his desire to lead, to be of service, and make meaningful contributions across many fields.

Richard's professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He worked in city planning for Contra Costa County, managing Buchanan Field airport in the 1970s. In the dynamic business world of the 1980s, he facilitated mergers and acquisitions before turning to entrepreneurship as the owner and operator of the San Francisco Chocolate Company. Later in life, he found fulfillment in education, teaching special education English at Mt. Eden High School in Hayward and at Thunder Road Adolescent Residential Treatment Center in Oakland. As an adjunct professor at Alliant University, Richard taught law and ethics to graduate level School Psychologists.

Richard's personal life was equally rich. A man who relished time on the water, he learned to sail on the San Francisco Bay before transitioning to power boating aboard his trawler My Pleasure. His devotion to Krista and his step children extended into every aspect of his life-from summers boating on the California Delta, to supporting school activities, to sharing beautifully prepared and plated meals. He volunteered with Alameda Family Services' holiday events and supported Monica and Lucas's involvement in school drama & music programs-donning his white tuxedo to emcee annual high school fundraising shows with flair. He and Krista explored inner and outer worlds together; traveling, visiting museums, taking in live performances, discovering yoga studios in small towns across the country, finding spiritual grounding through Buddhist teachings at Spirit Rock Meditation Center-always seeking new experiences together.

Richard will be remembered for his fierce love of life, his joy, his generosity, his service, and his leadership. May his memory be a blessing to those who loved him.