Richard Anthony "Dick" Fiore

1929 - 2021

Richard "Dick"Anthony Fiore
October 2, 1929 - September 29, 2021
Richard Anthony Fiore was born October 2, 1929, in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, and passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. A proud San Francisco native, known to his friends as Dick and grandchildren as Pop Pop, he lived his life with honesty, humility, grace, honor, and integrity. He was a loving and devoted husband of 58 years to Janice Messmer Fiore, father to Kara Fiore, Lisa Fiore-Roche and Ronald Fiore, doting grandfather to Keely Roche, Kacey Roche and Enzo Fiore and loving father in law to Kristin La Fontaine Fiore, Douglas Roche and Natalie Salins. Despite fighting a brain infection, the last 12 years, Dick was always attentive to his family and showed his unconditional love and affection every chance he had. He will be remembered as a man who loved his family with every breath he took. Throughout his life he put his family first. He would tell his family every day that he loved them and would always ask "can I do anything to make your day better?" His friends and family will never forget his loving demeanor and will remember how he ended his conversations with "keep smiling." His love for life was infectious with every person he touched.
Dick loved his city of San Francisco. He attended Sacred Heart High School from 1944-1948, night school at USF in 1949 while working two full time jobs and City College of San Francisco in 1950 - 1952 receiving an AA degree in General Education. He continued his education at San Francisco State University from 1952 - 1954 receiving a BA in Business. In 1955 he proudly represented the Olympic Club in the Pan American Games in Mexico City in both the dual sports of boxing and wrestling. While preparing for the games he attended the University of Mexico in Mexico City where he furthered his education to receive a Master's Degree in Special Education.
Dick proudly represented his country in the Navy during the Korean War, but was brilliantly positioned in the City as the chaplain's assistant to stay out of harm's way. He was honored to represent the Navy's boxing team.
Richard met the love of his life in San Francisco and married Janice Marrion Messmer on November 30, 1963 at Old Saint Mary's Church.
One of his many devotions was to the Catholic Church. He was continuously involved with Notre Dame des Victoires from 1970-1983 and a valuable member of the board of directors at St. Rose Academy from 1978-1984 always being an integral part of the education of his children. Dick was an avid fan of his children's sporting events and never missed a game. He loved supporting the Jesuit community and their philosophy at St. Ignatius College Preparatory where his son Ron proudly attended. Dick was also proud to support Junipero Serra High School where his grandson, Enzo Fiore, currently attends.
Dick was devoted to giving back to his city by dedicating his time and resources to continuously renovate the basketball courts and recreation centers on Potrero Hill, a community he was proud to call his home for over 50 years. His humble and kindhearted nature touched so many lives at St. Anthony's Kitchen where he poured coffee every Wednesday morning to help feed the less fortunate for over 26 years. He was genuine in treating everyone with dignity and respect.
When we look at the life of Richard Fiore, we admire his great success in building both his real estate company, Fiore & Company Real Estate and loan company, First California Loans, which he started over 70 years ago. Fiore & Company Real Estate still maintains a strong presence in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
Dick is proceeded in death by his parents, Anthony Samuel Fiore, and Queta Montalvo Fiore.
The Fiore Family would like to send our deepest appreciation to Dick's caregivers; especially his primary caregiver, Karen Cunada, Paul Cunada, and Kharina (Bambi) Miranda, who came to love him for his genuine kindness, courage, and strength. In addition, our family is forever grateful to Pathways Home Health and Hospice, especially Angelica Donskoy, RN, CHPN for her guidance and assistance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "St Anthony Foundation", or to the foundation that Richard founded "The Fiore Family Foundation", at 238 Townsend St. S.F. CA 94107. All the proceeds of his foundation go directly to San Francisco youth organizations to further youth sports.
Dick never liked being the center of attention so per his wishes there will only be a private family service.