Richard Federighi

Richard Federighi obituary, San Carlos, CA

Richard Federighi

Richard Federighi Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 10, 2022.
On June 7, 2022 Richard "Rick" Federighi passed away peacefully at the age of 77, after a years-long fight with a rare blood cancer. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Jeanne and is survived by his son, Mark Federighi (Risa), his daughter Gina Snyder (Dave) and four grandchildren, Gabe, Gianna, Owen and Alex.

Rick's life was marked by his passions which intersected with his love for connecting with others. He loved doo-wop music and was a drum player in a successful band in his teenage years. After graduating from Serra High School, he went to college and became a junior-high teacher. He spent over 40 years inspiring kids in the classroom, primarily as a social studies teacher at Ralston Middle School, where he earned the distinction of Educator of the Year. He was popular with his students and had a knack for making learning fun. When not in the classroom, he could often be found connecting with others in many ways. He was a decades-long member of the Elk's Club and spent time bar-tending and chatting with the patrons at his father's bar, The Annex. He loved spending time at the smoke shop sharing a cigar among friends and he had a passion for buying and selling classic cars. He frequented weekend car shows and often headed out on a drive to the Santa Cruz shore, most recently in his dune-buggy. He was a great cook and sharing a meal was one of his favorite ways to connect with friends and family, especially when it was a batch chicken cacciatore or cioppino, a Federighi family tradition. Wherever you might find him, he shared stories and life lessons wrapped in humor and kindness. Rick had an unprecedented way of connecting with people; he was charming, engaging, and easy going. A life well lived… well loved.

He was a remarkable husband, dad and grandfather. Whether you knew him as dad, Nonno, brother, uncle, friend, or "Mr. Federighi", you knew Rick was good-natured, quick-witted, and had a positive outlook on life. He genuinely cared about others, gave encouraging advice, and was blessed with a gift for writing and conversation. Nothing was more important to him than family, especially when at a dinner table filled with great food and a bottle of wine.

To say he will be missed is an understatement - his death leaves a hole in our hearts and in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick's name to NORD at https://rarediseases.org/donate/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard Federighi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 9, 2023

Robert King posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2022

Linda Federighi posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2022

Kari Federighi posted to the memorial.

Robert King

May 9, 2023

My condolences

Linda Federighi

August 9, 2022

As a child, our Federighi Family spent so much time together- weekly gatherings for food, extremely loud Italian conversation and so many good times. Rick was so funny and entertaining and I always appreciated his intelligence and dry sense of humor. He will definitely be missed by all, especially our Federighi clan.

Kari Federighi

July 5, 2022

I will miss you cousin. Such a kind person and made an impact on so many. Rest In Peace and love

Robert Cissna

June 19, 2022

Rick was my favorite and most memorable teachers. He was my teacher when I was in 6th grade at Central School. When I was older we reconnected because of his interest in my classic car. One day I saw him in the cigar shop and I asked, Mr Federighi?" He said, dang it Bob you´re over 50. You had better call me Rick!" 30 years after he was my teacher he taught my daughter and 9 years later both of my sons. There will always be a special place in my heart for Rick. I am sure he touched many lives as he did mine.

Joseph Fruhwirth

June 19, 2022

He will be deeply missed.

Angel Guzzetta Hession

June 17, 2022

Our hearts are so heavy hearing the loss of this extraordinary human being! He touched our lives with his kindness, sharp wit, brilliance as a teacher and mentor to my children! His calm presence and knowledge made kids want to learn and everyone around him would smile and believe in themselves! Thank you Rick for being there for my daughter and her class that morning of 911. Sitting with them and getting them through that time in history they´ll never forget! Thank you for seeing kids and listening and caring! You will never be forgotten and your in so many hearts!

Gioioa Underwood

June 15, 2022

The most handsomest of men and an honor to know him and Jeannie. I still make her bean salad.

Hard to believe he is gone...

Tom and Nancy Hyde

June 13, 2022

Dear Mark,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. No words can help ease your pain, but I hope you find peace in the wonderful memories you hold in your heart for your father.

Suzanne O´Brien

June 12, 2022

Your Dad was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He had the best sense of humor, he was so kind. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Sue

Tim Nolan

June 12, 2022

We greatly loved Uncle Rick, he was such a special man and I have so many memories I will deeply cherish. We are truly sorry for your loss, he will be missed so much. We love you all.

Mindy Shelton

June 11, 2022

I had the pleasure of knowing Rick through several stages of life. As an 8th grader at Ralston, he was one of my favorite teachers. It was clear he cared about his students and was passionate about his subject. I have so many memories of his class and our trip to Washington DC. Years later, I got to know Rick as a colleague when I was hired to teach in the district. Rick made it easy to get past that awkward transition from "you were my teacher" to being colleagues and I always enjoyed working with him. Later, as I changed roles and districts, I got to see Rick as grandfather to two of my students. It was clear how much Rick loved his family and it was always fun to catch up with him when he came to pick his grandkids up from school. Rick was a special man and it was an honor to know him through all of those years. He will be missed!

Ginny Iuppa

June 10, 2022

Rick was a wonderful teacher & great guy. He taught my kids at Central & Ralston, & I worked with him for 18 years at Ralston. He was a prince!

Carol Nolan - sister

June 10, 2022

You were a loving and great brother and I will miss you and your great sense of humor. Also our phone calls on just everything. Rest in peace and I love you. Have drink and a cigar on me!

Amy Cutsinger

June 10, 2022

Love you Uncle Rick! You will be missed so much.

Luana junious

June 10, 2022

My heart is sad at hearing of the passing of Rick. As his sister Carols best friend I spent lots of time with the family and got to know him well. All who knew him including me will miss him. He was an inspiration to us all in so many ways. My condolences to the family and prayers for strength to carry on with his memory in our hearts to make us smile.

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Sign Richard Federighi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 9, 2023

Robert King posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2022

Linda Federighi posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2022

Kari Federighi posted to the memorial.