Richard Darnell Holder III

1947 - 2024

Richard Darnell Holder, III
February 9, 1947 - January 29, 2024
Richard Darnell Holder III passed away at his home on January 29, 2024. He was born in Oakland, Calif., to Peggy Jean Holder, and the late Richard Donald Holder II. Raised in San Francisco, he attended McKinley Elementary, Everett Middle and Polytechnic High Schools where upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army (1965). Refusing to leave his men, he served two tours with the 101st Airborne Division (1965-1967). A proud veteran of Vietnam, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. In 1972, Rich joined the San Francisco Police Department, graduated from the Academy, and served at Richmond and Potrero Stations; following which he successfully became a Tactical team member. In 1980, Rich attained the rank of Sergeant, and was assigned to Park Station. Three months later, he returned to the Tactical Division as a Team Leader. Always looking to lead his people, he was promoted to Lieutenant at the Tactical Division (1984) and later was assigned to the MUNI Transit Division. During his time as a Lieutenant, he ran the Housing Task Force and started Operation Dream and Midnight Basketball in San Francisco. In 1991, he was promoted to Captain, and was assigned to lead the officers at Portero Station. 1992 saw Rich newly promoted to the rank of Commander where he then led the entire Special Operations Division. In 1996, Richard became the first African American Deputy Chief in the San Francisco Police Department and oversaw all patrol units in the Field Operations Bureau. Richard remained as the Deputy Chief of the Field Operations Bureau and later assigned as the Deputy Chief of the Investigation Bureau until his retirement in 2001.
Richard was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, brother and friend. A kind-hearted man, he would do anything for his family and close friends. He was a man of truth, duty, and integrity whose greatest joys were his family, the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers, and Disney.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Gale Holder; his beloved grandmother, Blanche Fines Patterson; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Lee. Richard is survived by his wife, Rita Holder; children, AJ/Kathrine, Rachel Penn/Jared, Andre and Veronica. Grandchildren, Rebekah, Brandon, Nikolas, and Isabella; mother, Peggy J. Holder; sister, Cheryl Lee; many loved nieces and nephews; extended family, friends and his loyal Golden Doodle, Romeo.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco where services will conclude. As Rich was dedicated to SFPD Operation Dream, even as a private citizen, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SFPD Operation Dream, 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.