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BORN
1942
DIED
2018
Richard Rodgers Obituary
Jan 30, 1942 - Apr 3, 2018
Richard is survived by his son Matthew (Beth) and three grandchildren, Gillian, Samantha and Sean Rodgers; as well as his sisters, Eileen Robinson (Rob) and Roberta Gutierrez (Manuel,) and Ex-wife Maricarol (Goldie) Rodgers Paul Chapman,) who both cared for Richard in his final days. His parents, Matthew & Olive, and sister Flora predeceased him.Richard (known to most as Ralphie) was born in Pittsburgh, PA., and graduated from University of Pittsburgh Hospital School of Radiology. He moved to California in the 60's where he worked at California Pacific Medical Center before retiring in 2004.
After several years in the City, Richard married and briefly settled in Mill Valley to bask in all that the bohemian lifestyle of Marin had to offer. He quickly found though that good bars and better friends were few and far between, and he moved his family back to San Francisco, mere blocks from his favorite watering hole, Pat O'Shea's. There, he established and maintained lifelong friendships, often embarking on motorcycle trips, or annually to his favorite Mexican resorts. Aside from travel, other hobbies included sailing and camping, which he did often, and a love of good jazz or 50's do-wop music on his prized reel-to-reel tape deck.
One of his most cherished destinations was the Yosemite valley, Camp Mather and the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, in particular. His annual treks to the valley and the Camp Mather facility were his "favorite week of the year." There, he would fondly watch as the grandkids splashed around Birch lake or rode their favorite horse around camp.
Richard will be remembered for his witty humor and easy going nature, his love for dogs, as well as never having met a bar stool he didn't like. He was kind, respectful, and generous, and loved his fellow man, especially if it was their round.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life from 2-6 PM, Saturday, May 5th at the Bay View Boat Club at 489 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the SFSPCA or Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rodgers
Tammy Lockman
April 20, 2025
Want you, family and friends to know, I faithfully donate $100 to the ASPCA every month. It´s the least I can do since I can´t adopt them all.
Suzy Wahlborg
November 13, 2023
I am grateful to have known Richard. He was an important part of my young life.
Shirley Rattaro
October 4, 2023
Ah Richard! I knew you in the 60s in SF when you were dating my sister for a bit. I thought you were so cool. Was it an MG you were driving back then? Thank you for the smiles these past decades when I´d think of you.
Tom Velasquez
April 20, 2020
RIP my bdp. Tom Velasquez has
tamara lockman
February 15, 2019
February 14. A lot of wonderful memories and sadness that we won't be making anymore. You are a legend in by book for sure!
Tom Velasquez
February 11, 2019
Sorry to hear of your passing. I was a friend
From the Madhatter days. Could never
beat u at Liars dice. Had a Barber Shop down
The street on Geary Blvd. Downed
Many pints with you. Wondere where
U went ? Jim Kelly told me but I started going
To the gold cane recently. Like the place.
My condolences to your family. Tom
Sweetness
January 30, 2019
Happy birthday dear friend, 77 and I bet you are in heaven.
Tammy Lockman
December 13, 2018
I have never stopped thinking and loving him. He made my life. Even to this day.
Norman Peltier
May 1, 2018
I stopped in and visited him when S.F. We'd stroll down to the Cane where he'd hold court. He was a good man. He'll be missed.
Diana Welsh
April 30, 2018
I remember my uncle as a very happy, very humorous man who was loved by all. He visited us in Elk Grove once, on a trip with a friend, and again when mom (Flo) passed. I've enjoyed his company at family gatherings through the years, and I will miss seeing him. He started that bar on the waterfront just a few years too early! It would be a booming place now! I'm so sorry for your loss, Matt and family. Goldie - you have my sympathies as well. You are amazing! And what a wonderful photo to remember him by. Love to you all, and I look forward to hearing more stories of him at the memorial.
Diana (Flo's daughter)
H C
April 27, 2018
My deepest sympathy Goldie, Matt and family (JVK). I'm very sorry for your loss, Rich will be missed. Hilary
Phil Murray
April 27, 2018
Ralph was a wonderful Human Being. A
warm, friendly, and very humorous man.
He was a real character. Somewhat of a legend even.
He will be greatly missed by many.
Via con Dios amigo.
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