Roger Randolph Righetti

Roger Randolph Righetti, 84, of San Luis Obispo was called to his Savior's side Monday, Jan. 14, 2008.

Born to Ennio P. "Bob" and Emma Righetti on the family ranch in Edna Valley, he was the third of four sons. It was during his youth that he learned to love family, farming and develop his Christian faith.

Roger was one of several young men who graduated early from San Luis Obispo High School in January 1943 to serve their country in World War II. In the U.S. Army Air Corps he piloted a B24 Liberator with a crew of 10 men, completing 35 combat sorties over Southern Europe. Roger's faith allowed him to lead his crew in prayer prior to each mission and upon returning to thank the Lord for a safe return.

After completing his service, Roger attended Cal Poly and earned a bachelor of science degree in Animal Husbandry. During this time he met Helen Cramer and they were married in August 1947. Roger began his favored vocation as a dairyman in San Luis County and he and Helen began their family of four children.

After 19 years as a dairyman Roger returned to Cal Poly earning a vocational agriculture teaching certificate. For the next 15 years he taught high school in Salinas and Tehachapi, Calif.

Roger never lost his love of flying and updated his pilot license in the mid 60s. This enabled him to make frequent trips to San Luis from Tehachapi in his single engine Mooney Ranger aircraft.

He retired from teaching in 1983 and returned permanently to his ranch in San Luis. There he built a shop to repair farm equipment and work on his love of innovative projects. He also built a new home on their ranch with Helen. Roger was a member of the SLO County Farm Bureau and American Legion.

Roger is survived by three children, Miriam (Richard) Ziel, Thomas (Alva) and James (Katherine), all of San Luis; six grandchildren Lauren and Craig Ziel, Lynn Williams, Kirk Barbara and Robin Righetti.

Roger's faith in his Lord and Savior helped him through the deaths of his mother, Emma, and brother, Harold, at early ages, the drowning death of young son, Bobby (8), and the early passing of his wife, Helen. He is also preceded in death by his father, Ennio; older brother, Frederic; younger brother, Alton Timothy; and his second wife, Doris Van Horn Righetti.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at the Zion Lutheran Church at Foothill and Santa Rosa streets in San Luis Obispo, where Roger was a life long member.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roger's name may be made to either The Church Extension Fund, 2772 Constitution Dr. Ste. B, Livermore, CA 94551, or to The Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141. Roger supported both.