Richard Magnani

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., with the Memorial Service following at 11 a.m. at Homewood Church of Christ for Richard Tay Sohn Magnani, age 83, of Birmingham, AL, who passed away at home on August 20, 2025. Bret Walters, Minister, and Hal Craig, friend, will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Cemetery in Midfield, AL. Valhalla Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
Richard lived a full life, experiencing much that this world had to offer. Born on August 29, 1942, in Hawaii, his early years were spent in school, surfing the waves, and enjoying the beaches there. His parents were of Hawaiian and Korean descent. During his youth, his stepfather and a neighbor taught him how to box. By his own account, that skill got him both into-and out of-a fair amount of trouble!
His work history reflected a wide range of skills and experiences. He worked as a tour guide, cab driver, and bartender in Honolulu; in a machine shop in Hueytown, AL; in clothing fitting and sales while in Germany; in finish work at the shipyards of San Francisco, CA; and for many years servicing accounts for Barber Milk Company throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area.
In the early 1980s, Glida Alexander happened to join his tour group in Honolulu. That meeting led to a marriage that lasted more than 40 years, as they made their home in Hueytown and Hoover, AL.
Richard is survived by his son, Michael Magnani of Costa Mesa, CA; daughter, Robyn Gamit of Kaunakakai, HI; son, Christopher Magnani of Kailua, HI; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Glida Alexander Magnani; son, Richard T. "Tay" Magnani II; and daughter, Rene Magnani Asuncion.
Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homewood Church of Christ or to the nonprofit organization of your choice. Throughout their life together, Richard and Glida were faithful supporters of family- and children-based ministries.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Stewart, Brett Willis, Willie Golston, Frank Craig, Shaun Cosby, and Tommy Jannett.
The family extends special thanks to the Homewood Church of Christ family, as well as friends and supporters from the Hoover Senior Center.