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Richard Ongaro Obituary
Richard was born June 10th, 1943 to Anita and Ernie Ongaro in San Anselmo. He passed away on September 28th, 2005 in a tragic airplane crash in Idaho. Rich had been with his son and friends on one of his beloved hunting trips.
His parents and his brother, Don Ongaro, predeceased Richard.
He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Diane Ghilotti Ongaro; his son Brian (Amy) Ongaro of San Rafael and his daughter Shannon Ongaro of Montana; his grandchildren Claire and Andrew Ongaro of San Rafael; his sister Pam (Bob) Murnane of Sebastopol; and his brother Ernie (Joan) Ongaro of Sebastopol. He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law Yolanda Ghilotti of San Rafael and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by a huge circle of friends.
Rich was the ultimate outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish and play golf. He and his wife were extensive travelers. Rich was an alumnus of Marin Catholic High School and served in the US Navy. Rich coached CYO Basketball for 18 years.
Rich spent most of his life working at the family business, Ongaro & Sons Plumbing in San Anselmo.
Friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church in Greenbrae, on Wednesday, October 5th, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to Casa de Angeles, 501 San Pedro Cove, San Rafael, CA 94901 or the Hurricane Relief Organization of your choice.
Monte's Chapel of the Hills
Family Owned and Operated
San Anselmo ~ 415-453-8440
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jon and Maggie Kunkel
October 11, 2005
Brian and Amy -
We are so sorry for your terrible loss. Please accept our condolences and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Neilan
October 6, 2005
Sincere condolences to Rich's family from a St. Anselm's and Marin Catholic classmate.
Bill & Joanne Gotelli
October 5, 2005
October 5, 2005
Dear Diane,
We were so sorry to hear about Rich. He will be truly missed by so many.
Our sympathy and thoughts are with you, your family and all of the Ongaro family.
Sincely,
Bill & Joanee Gotelli
Marcia, John and Eric Roberts
October 5, 2005
Diane,Brian,Shannon and family
We send our deepest regrets and sympathy for the loss of your wonderful husband and father. Rich's laughter, love of life and kindness will be forever remembered and he will always be in our thoughts.
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Andy Isetta, Sr.
October 4, 2005
Brian- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the tragic loss of your father.
Susan Sawyer Ravina
October 4, 2005
Shannon and family,
Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved Rich. take good care & call me Shannon if I can do anything.
Bob Migliore
October 4, 2005
Dear Diane,my thoughts and prayers go with you.
Pat Dewey-Cook
October 4, 2005
I found out about Richards death from a person on a cruise ship when i asked if he knew the Ongaro family and he told me the sad news I was very sorry to hear the news Our love and prayers go out to all of you
Nancy Westfall
October 4, 2005
Dear Diane and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Rich's death. Please accept our sympathy. Our prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Sincerely, George and Nancy (Lawrence) Westfall
Francine Lento Kenkel
October 4, 2005
Diane,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. His love will always be with you and give you strength.
Beth Mellin Pawlick
October 4, 2005
What a great loss. Every time I have seen an Ongaro truck I have wanted to stop the driver and ask them to please say Hello to Rich. Now I regret I didn't take the time. Beginning over fifty years ago at St Anselm's School he was one of the nicest, sweetest guys, despite the rigid discipline the boys endured from the nuns. May his family take comfort in the knowledge he was doing what he loved at the time of his death.
Jaye & Todd Smith
October 3, 2005
Shannon and Ongaro family- Our deepest sympathy and love to you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Frideger SNJM
October 3, 2005
Dear Diane and all of the Ongaro Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned about Rich. Just know you are in my prayers and those of many Holy Names Sisters who know your family from San Anselmo and Marin Catholic.
Joseph Herrera
October 3, 2005
Diane & Family Prayers and Condolence to all
Sandy Rosso (Murnane)
October 3, 2005
I feel such a sadness that Rich is no longer with us. He was a wonderful guy. I remember him at Marin Catholic, way back when, and over the years seeing and hearing him and his great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Jon Diment
October 3, 2005
Dear Ongaro Family –
My deepest condolences for your loss. I pray that Rich’s compassion lives on forever in everyone’s lives he’s touched. Especially to Shannon – your father was such a great man to myself and all your friends – please keep his great spirit with you.
Cathy Wiley
October 3, 2005
We are so sorry to hear about Rich; although it has been many years we all have fond memories of a great guy!
Cathy, Sue, Carla, and Dana and families
(Daughters of Frank and Mary Anne Klineman)
Leo Slattery
October 3, 2005
Diane and family; our prayers, thoughts and condolences go with you everyday.
Gene Ceccotti
October 3, 2005
Diane, Brian & Shannon and family,
Our deepest condolences and prayers
Gene Ceccotti; &
Eva and Lee Ceccotti
Andrea Christensen
October 2, 2005
My thoughts are with all of you - I will always remember Rich's huge smile..
Jennifer Boss
October 2, 2005
Dearest Ongaro Family, I still have wonderful, vivid memories of having the privilege to have Rich as my CYO basketball coach when Shannon and I went to St. Raphael's together. Such a wonderful person and coach! My deepest sympathy and warm thoughts to all of you. Very Sincerely, Jennifer Boss
Jean Fadelli-Hickey
October 2, 2005
Diane, Brian, Shannon and family, my heart goes out to you.
Fr. Alfred Puccinelli,s.m.
October 2, 2005
My prayers are with you all.
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