Richard Vernon LoForti

1938 - 2025

Richard Vernon LoForti

March 13, 1938 - June 27, 2025

Ceres, California - Richard Vernon LoForti, affectionately known as Dick, passed away peacefully at his home in Ceres, California, on June 27, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Born on March 13, 1938, in Modesto, California, Richard was the son of Vernon Nunzio and Edith Marie LoForti (Deve). He grew up in Modesto and attended John Muir and Thomas Downey schools. From a young age, Richard demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for life that would define his many endeavors.

Richard began his working life as a gas station attendant for his father Vernon's station at 15th & H Street in Modesto. His industrious spirit led him to take on multiple roles working nights as a meat packer and days as a roofer. Eventually, he became a successful business owner in roofing and property management.

A proud veteran of the National Guard, Richard served as both a cook and a boxer during his time in service. His love for boxing began early; at just five years old, he and his brother Jim took up the sport both being left-handed fighters. This early passion for athletics extended into baseball, which remained one of Richard's lifelong loves. He played first base and pitcher with enthusiasm and later gave back to the community by coordinating and coaching Little League baseball at Beard School.

Richard's zest for life extended well beyond work and sports. He enjoyed camping trips to Sunset Beach with family and friends, scuba diving adventures with his son-in-law and close companions, and thrilling jeep races. His dedication to off-road racing led him to serve as Vice President of the 4WDSA Sand Drag Association. Later in life, he and his beloved wife JoAnn Margret LoForti (Madden) embraced travel together often journeying across Mexico in their grand motorhome. Later in life he enjoyed the Datson Club, then advanced to a 1939 Chevy Deluxe Sedan of which he enjoyed showing and BSING with his buddies, while smoking his favorite cigar!

Richard was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his brother Jim (Penny) LoForti; children Ray (Vicki) LoForti, Pam (Gene) Barnwell, and Keith (Sherrie) LoForti; grandchildren Casey (Amber) Barnwell Sr., Jeff (Christine) LoForti, Jennifer Martin, Dave (Janelle) LoForti, Genie Barnwell (Ken), Richard "Dicki" LoForti, and Danyelle (Danny) Suarez; great-grandchildren Reahannon Barnwell, Rylan LoForti, Casey (Racheal) Barnwell Jr., Colin Barnwell, Madison Martin, Caden Barnwell, Brody Martin, Layla Wilkey, Alizah LoForti , August LoForti, Savannah Wilkey; and baby Emery Suarez expected in October 2025. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless memories shared with those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon Nunzio and Edith Marie LoForti (Deve), as well as his cherished wife JoAnn Margret LoForti.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel located at 419 Scenic Drive in Modesto, California. A celebration of life will follow immediately after the burial at the home of Keith and Sherrie LoForti: 5700 Moffett Road in Ceres.

Richard Vernon "Dick" LoForti lived a full life marked by hard work, adventure, devotion to family and an enduring love for baseball. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.