Richard W. Vicenti

1950 - 2021

Richard W. Vicenti
September 21, 1950 - May 7, 2021
Santa Cruz
Surrounded by family, Rich Vicenti passed away peacefully at home on May 7th from complications of a stroke.
Rich was a super-achieving California guy his entire life. Valedictorian of Bonita High School in La Verne, he graduated from Cowell College, UC Santa Cruz, where he was instrumental in setting up the free bus service to campus that continues to this day. After earning his MBA from Stanford, Rich spent his career in finance, serving as CFO for numerous Silicon Valley companies.
Reliable, honest and unpresuming, Rich was passionate about his community. He served on the board of his church, and was treasurer of Save Our Shores for many years. He also loved the outdoors, especially skiing and hiking at Kirkwood in the Sierras. An avid jogger and cyclist, he completed many long-distance runs and rides -- including bicycling across Canada alone in 1971. He loved the ocean, crewed on a tall ship from California to Tahiti, and walked Twin Lakes beach almost every day.
His main focus, however, was always his children, Eric and Bria. He was one of those fathers who jogged with a baby stroller, did annual camping trips to Yosemite, attended every performance and sporting event -- even practices -- and supported his kids' every endeavor. They were his greatest pride.
Later in life, Rich reconnected with a college friend, Alesa. They were married and traveled the globe together, on bicycle as often as possible.
Rich is survived by his children Eric Vicenti and Bria Vicenti, his wife Alesa Lightbourne, sisters Beth Heurlin and Susan Vicenti, and numerous nieces, nephews, stepsons and step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto.


View the online memorial for Richard W. Vicenti