Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Francis Rianda Obituary
Gonzales - Francis "Sonny" Rianda, 85, of Gonzales passed away peacefully Friday, March 2, 2018 at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Sonny was born June 14, 1932 in Salinas to Henry and Theresa Rianda. He attended Somavia School, a one room schoolhouse on River Road through 7th grade. His most important "lesson," however, came from the family's dairy cows, Blackie and Snowball. From those two cows, Sonny learned that his life was destined for a different type of work: farming.
Sonny met his sweetheart, Lillian Bassetti, at Gonzales High School and after proudly serving in the Army, they married in 1954 and began a family. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary in December.
Sonny began a small farming operation which eventually flourished into RC Farms during his partnership with Dennis Caprara. In addition to farming, they acquired Coastal Tractor. While Sonny was managing the dealership, his vision and persistence helped an engineering team develop the Mudder tractor. Knowing the importance of water in farming, they also acquired Gonzales Irrigation to service the local ag community.
Alongside his prolific career as an ag businessman, Sonny was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a faithful parishioner and volunteer at St. Theodore's Church. Community service made up what little free time he had and he was happy to do it. He was active in the American Legion Post 81, Gonzales Booster Club, Young Farmers, Gonzales Rural Fire district, Gonzales Elementary School board, Buena Vista Grange and was a Monterey County Fair Director to name a few. In addition, he was a founding director of First Capital Bank.
More than anything he loved his family. He showed fairness, patience and generosity, and was perhaps the greatest mentor his children and grandchildren will ever know.
Sonny is survived by his wife, Lillian; children, Mike (Dia), Marilyn MacArt (Greg), Jeff (Amy), and Jean McCollom (Barry); 12 grandchildren, Kamaron (Kristen), Jacob (fianceé Natalia) and Travis Rianda, Jonathan, Patrick, and AnnClaire MacArt, Cole, Gabriel and Wade Rianda, Katarina, Georgia and Brady VonLehmden; 2 great grandchildren Kolbie and Baylee Rianda; 2 step grandchildren Nathan and Barry Jr. McCollom. He is also survived by sisters, Geraldine Pisoni and Patricia Caraccioli.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, William and infant grandson, Matthew VonLehmden.
Visitation will be held 1:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Rosary will be held 7:00p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA. 93901.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at St. Theodore's Church, 116 S. Belden Street, Gonzales, CA. 93926.
Burial to follow at Gonzales District Cemetery, 1000 Highway 101, Gonzales, CA. 93926.
Memorials made be made to St. Theodore's Church, P.O. Box B, Gonzales, CA 93926.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Rianda
Sponsored by Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel.
March 29, 2018
My sincere condolences. May God give you the strength to cope with your loss (Phillipians 4:6,7).
Carol Rodoni Yates
March 19, 2018
Lillian and Family. When people I've known & admired leave our presence it's sometimes difficult to articulate what's in our hearts. Simply said: may all of the memories of the joys you shared outweigh the sorrow. May our Lord comfort you continually. Sincerely.
Bartley Walker
March 13, 2018
Our condolences to the Rianda Family. We will pray for Gods comfort for your Family today and in the days ahead.
Carole Garton
March 10, 2018
Hello dear Lillian, I want to send my condolences to you and your family over Sonny's passing. I know my husband Bud Garton thought the world of him. We had some good times at the equipment conventions, remember the cruise? I'm not sure where we went but we all enjoyed it. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral. With love, Carole Garton.
Jan Mirassou
March 10, 2018
My deepest condolences to the entire Rianda family. What a great man Sonny was, how he and Lillian impacted our lives and our community. Bless you all with comfort and peace. I know Jesus met Sonny and greeted him Well done my good and faithful servant, welcome home!
Art Nuno
March 10, 2018
Sincere condolences' to you Lillian and the entire Rianda family. I remember Sonny as a kind and gentle man who was always positive in his daily encounters with friends and neighbors. As neighbors there on Gloria road many years ago, my Dad and brothers worked along side Dennis and Sonny when we were all much younger. A real family man visionary in the Salinas Valley who will be missed.
March 9, 2018
Please accept my deep sympathy. May the loving memories you've shared continue to warm your heart. Psalms 116:15
Brian Antle
March 9, 2018
A true pioneer who will be missed by all
RIP Sonny
Mary Castellanos
March 8, 2018
Sorry for loss. It was knowing him and his son i went school. Mary Castellanos. He may rest in peace n God bless your family.
Jim and Terry Aaroe
March 7, 2018
Our thoughts go out to the Rianda family. Sonny was always a kind and generous friend to Mary while she worked for him.
Rob Gularte
March 7, 2018
Mike, Marilyn, Jeff, Jeanie, your dad has always been a great inspiration to me. His kindness, consideration, and calm, positive way of interacting with people is something I came to know early in the 4-H days and all my times being around him.
What is particularly notable is that while all of us know plenty of people who claw their way to success, knocking others down and creating bad feeling as they go, this was never the case with your dad. Your dad always proceeded with steadfast kindness and integrity, his respect for everyone was always apparent, and brought forth respect and appreciation from all those around him.
We're all going to miss him. My and Susie's prayers are with you, your mom, and your families.
John Kaylor
March 7, 2018
Jean, you and all of your family are in the thoughts and prayers of Peggy and I.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Francis Rianda's name
Memorial Events
for Francis Rianda
Mar
12
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
Mar
12
Funeral services provided by:
Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
How to support Francis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Francis Rianda's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
