Richard Ebert

Richard Joseph Ebert, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on December 8, 2024. Richard, the youngest of eight children, was born in Oakland on August 17, 1937, to Marguerite (Frago) and Jacob Ebert. When Richard was 9 years old, the Ebert family moved to Sonoma where Richard spent his formative years and built life-long friendships. He attended St. Francis Solano before matriculating to Sonoma Valley High School where he set school records in track and field.
For 38 years, Richard proudly worked on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, retiring as a Sergeant. It was on the Bridge that he met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kitty). Every day, Kitty would cross the Bridge on her commute, always making a point to pass through Richard's lane. Occasionally, she would bring cookies and treats from her parents' Lady Baltimore bakery and strike up conversations with him. Richard and Kitty's connection grew, marking the beginning of 50 years filled with love, family, friends, and countless cherished memories.
A lifelong resident of Sonoma and Marin Counties, Richard loved the outdoors. Whether it was duck hunting, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, diving for abalone, or just going for walks, Richard was always on the move. On the family's many trips to Hawaii, Richard spent most of his time in the ocean and, as recently as last summer, you would find him throwing the football with his grandsons and their friends in the pool in Sonoma. He also enjoyed playing dominoes or cards-especially when there was money on the line-while sipping on his signature cocktail, which he fondly dubbed "The Big Kahuna." He had a genuine love for people and never hesitated to stop and chat, always greeting others with a smile and a friendly "hello." Rarely did a moment pass without him cracking a joke, sharing a witty one-liner, or entertaining those lucky enough to be in his company with stories from his time on the Bridge.
Upon his retirement from the Bridge, Richard remained extraordinarily active. Much of his time was devoted to landscaping, where he took great pride in meticulously caring for the yard he shared with Kitty. Beyond his own property, Richard was always ready to lend a hand to his elderly neighbors in Novato, offering help with their yards and anything else they might need. After 45 years in Novato, Richard returned to his roots in Sonoma, and enjoyed reminiscing and reliving memories around town and visiting all sorts of lunch establishments with his family.
Richard is survived by his adoring and devoted wife Kathleen (Kitty) Ebert (Weitzel); children Richard Ebert, Richelle Ebert, and Rhonda Sharp; step-daughters Jennifer McKnew and Leslie McKnew; and his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 12 pm at Viansa Winery, located at 25200 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Council on Aging (www.councilonaging.com/donate), which provides a variety of services to seniors in our local community.
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