Frederick Michael "Rick" Tatar

Frederick "Rick" Tatar passed away peacefully at Kaiser Permanente Hospital on October 23, at the age of 62, his family by his side. He had been hospitalized for over seven weeks from problems stemming from diabetes. He is survived by his parents Frederick Tatar, Raffaela (Emanuele)Tatar, his son Zachary, his daughter Madison, his sisters Kathy and Lisa, and his brother Jon. He has numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins, and two grand nephews.
Rick was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to California with his parents when they relocated in 1962. He went to Meyerholz Elementary, Kennedy Jr. High and Monta Vista High School before doing his college work at De Anza College. He made his career in Sales, working for Home Depot and Lowe's Home Improvement among others. In each of these areas he advanced to supervisory positions due to hard work and his ability to work with people. He was a dedicated employee and well-known for going out of his way to help others.
In his younger years, Rick was an active participant in local sports and a devoted fan of the SF Giants and 49ers. He was on several youth baseball teams, and coached his brother's little league team that won the District 44 Championship in 1978. He had a love for music, especially that of the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix and Yes. He was also a self-taught artist who could draw anything he wanted to perfection.
Rick took great pride in supporting his two children Zachary and Madison grow into strong and responsible adults. He recently was able to send his daughter to college, who is attending California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and took great pride in his son's work with sportscasting at San Jose City College radio station and his work with the City of San Jose's Christmas in the Park.
For the last ten years Rick has been an active member Alcoholics Anonymous and Bible study groups where progress towards a better life is measured by one's ability to follow the Twelve Step Program. Those in fellowship with him shared how he was gifted in his ability to help newcomers go through the steps and inspired many through sharing his experience and learnings with others. "His kind and loving heart could always be seen in his actions as well as words." And it was here where he made many lasting friendships.
His friends wrote, "We mourn the untimely loss of a generous, loving and spiritual brother. Rick's life of loving compassion and constant seeking was a guidepost for those of us fortunate to have known and loved him. Thursday morning coffee discussions left all with new discoveries and avenues to explore. Our time with Rick was a gift beyond measure, and he will be sorely missed."
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church, 10110 De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA, at 11am on Monday November 7, 2022. Interment will proceed at Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak St., Saratoga, CA, after which a celebration of his life will be at 2:00pm at a location TBA. All are welcome to attend.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at Kaiser Santa Clara who gave Rick outstanding care these last seven weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (Institutional and Planned Giving Program).