Richard Vincent Gemignani

Richard Gemignani, born on January 30,1943 in Sacramento, CA to Vincent and Lillian Gemignani, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 8, 2024.

Rich grew up on a farm in the Delta surrounded by an extended family that included his grandparents, aunts, and uncles who instilled in him the value of hard work and, more importantly, the unconditional love of family.

At a very young age Rich worked on the farm and learned the business that he would one day be in charge of. He loved to play many sports growing up and continued throughout his entire life. Hunting and fishing were cherished pastimes for him. Give him a baseball bat, gun, fishing pole, and a dog by his side and he was a happy boy!

Rich attended college at his parents' insistence because they hoped that he would choose a career other than farming. Two prior generations toiled on the farm, and they wanted something more for him. After 3 years of college he went to work for the State of California and lived in Sacramento working as a surveyor. However, as the old saying goes, "you can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy". He would come home every weekend and help on the ranch. The Delta was in his blood so after 3 years he left the State and became a third-generation farmer working alongside their long time partners, the DeMatei family.

In October of 1962 Richard met his future wife, Cheryl, at a football game in Courtland. They married on April 12, 1964. Two years later they welcomed their first daughter, Marni, on February 6, 1966, and then their second daughter, Yvette, on June 6, 1967. They enjoyed gathering with their friends who also had children and spent many happy hours together at each other's homes or on vacation.

The biggest joy of Rich's life were his children and grandchildren, Kennedy, Jess, and Ryan. He played an irreplaceable role as their adoring Nonno and made sure to be involved in their lives, never missing any milestones big or small. He was always the greatest cheerleader for his grandkids, nieces and nephews. When they were young, he was on the floor playing with them and as they grew, he was always interested in what they were doing, visiting and calling often. He praised them for their accomplishments and encouraged them when they needed it. He was always there as a pillar of support and a hand to hold; his love was truly unconditional and his pride in his family never faltered. Rich taught his grandchildren many things- how to drive, how to shoot guns, how to eat a grapefruit (covered in sugar and using a spoon!)- but most importantly he taught them that they can do anything they put their mind to, and that family always comes first.

Rich's love and care extended beyond just his family. He revered his many lifelong friendships and routinely gathered with them for early morning coffee before starting his work. Rich's loyalty included his animal companions as well. He absolutely adored his ranch dogs, especially Max who was perhaps his closest friend of all and went just about everywhere he did.

Rich was a renowned prankster by everyone that knew him- he loved a good joke and even though his friends and family were often the brunt of those jokes, it was in good fun and always ended in laughter. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a little snicker of a laugh when he had been mischievous.

Later in life Rich and Cheryl discovered their passion for golf, and it quickly became Rich's favorite pastime. When they later purchased a home in La Quinta, they actively participated in golf tournaments, many of which he won. Although in a new city they cultivated a warm and inviting home where they loved to host gatherings where there was always an abundance of food, wine, and laughter. He had a knack for bringing people together and will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Richard is survived by his mother, Lillian, his loving wife of 60 years, Cheryl Gemignani, his two daughters, Marni (Brien) and Yvette (Ray); his adored grandchildren, Kennedy, Jess, and Ryan; sister and brother-in-law, Renee and Tim Ross, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Mike McCart as well as his nieces and nephews: Carrie (Aaron), Kim (Jim), Jenell, and John. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent.

Richard's warmth, generosity, and playful nature endeared him to all who knew him. Whether on the Delta or in La Quinta, Rich never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't met before. He formed connections with ease and left a lasting impact on all those he encountered. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for the family to gather to share memories, stories, and support one another during this time of mourning.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (74020 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert 92260, ATTN: Kimberly) in Richard's memory. His battle with Alzheimer's disease touched the hearts of many, and supporting research and care for those affected by this condition would be a meaningful way to honor his legacy.