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Richard Alfonso Obituary
He moved from Wappingers Falls, NY to Tucson, AZ in 1972 and attended the University of Arizona where he obtained his degree in civil engineering. He collaborated with his brothers to establish a family-owned construction business. Rick later founded an IT consulting company, which served Tucson businesses for over 30 years.
Rick was well known for his coaching in sports (basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball), hosting infamous U of A tailgates, his quick wit, his love of music, playing guitar, his many skills and talents, and for loving his family. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and generosity.
Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Alfonso. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vera, children Ricky (Alexa), Robert (Danielle), and Alexis, his father Armand, siblings Rob (Kim), Tom (Nancy), Denise, Susan (Larry), grandsons Massimo and Nico, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be forever loved and greatly missed.
A funeral will be held on May 10, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic church at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Alfonso
Katelyn Sweeney
May 14, 2024
Mark and Mark Kinsey & Family
May 10, 2024
Hey Rick, speechless right now. You made such tremendous impact in our Tucson community and beyond. You were also always there for me and my family and friends. Really miss you, love you, and praying for Vera and your entire beautiful family. Love you brother. Prayers.
The Gallegos Family
May 9, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. He helped my daughter enjoy her softball year he was a great coach to the kid and i know they will miss him sorry for your lost to the family we will miss him
Gene and Linda Sweeney
May 9, 2024
Gene and Linda Sweeney
May 9, 2024
Regina Carrillo
May 8, 2024
Vera and children. My deepest condolences on the passing of Rick. My memories of Rick many years ago never faded and it's with my deepest sadness to hear of his passing. Vera, you are the light that will keep shining in honor of the family you two brought into this world. Respectfully, Gina Carrillo
Peggy Pearson
May 8, 2024
My deepest condolences Rick's family and friends. May God bless Rick and his family with much comfort during this difficult time. I knew Rick 1975 - 1976 because I worked at the Student Union at the UA and he was going to school there. Our paths crossed many times either at the pool behind the Student Union or in the halls of the Student Union. He was to me and said hi and would chat with me for a few minutes. I always appreciated those moments. I was sad to hear that he passed away, but I know where he's going is a better place and he won't have to suffer physically anymore. May he rest in peace, love and joy!!
Mary Green
May 8, 2024
Dear Vera , Ricky, Robbie and Alexis, Rick was a fantastic guy thru and thru. He always made me laugh and was such a bright light. You are all very fortunate to have him in your lives. We would see him and Vera walking and would chat occasionally. It had been a few years. His loss is palpable in this community. God bless Rick and his family at this difficult time. Rest in peace Rick.
Mary Stewart and Cindy Cooper
May 8, 2024
May the love of friends and family bring comfort today and in the days to come. Our condolences to the Alfonso Family.
Silvas family
May 8, 2024
Our condolences to the family! May God bless Rick and his family! Rick was a great person, he will truly be missed! Silvas family
Leonard Green
May 7, 2024
So sad to hear about Rick. He set the highest standards for father, husband, coach, and sportsman. I saw Rick a lot in the 90's and early 2000's because I taught his kids at Immaculate Heart, along with my daughter who was in Ricky Jrs. class. He always had a smile on his face, even though he apparently was in constant pain with his injured back. He fixed our computer a number of times. And we lived close enough to sometimes see him walking with his beloved Vera. A great man gone too soon. Our condolences to Vera and the family. Leonard and Mary Green
neil brandon
May 6, 2024
He left an indelible impression on everyone he met. Life of the party. A jack of all trades and a master of every single one.Gone too soon, he will be sorely missed.
Bill Oppenheimer
May 5, 2024
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was one of my oldest friends and favorite people in Tucson. Rick was the ultimate family man, someone I tried to emulate with my own. My heart goes out to Vera, Rick, Robert, and Alexis.
Both being New Yorkers, there was always something for us to talk about. He was a great story teller and always had time for camaraderie. In the late 90s, I met his dad, his brother and a few other family members at his house or in the stands at ballgames.
Rick had a uncanny knack for connecting with kids in sports. Rick was a solid fixture at Thornydale Little League, first with son Ricky's baseball team.
Later, he switched to girls softball; undoubtedly the best softball coach I've known over the years. Rick's daughter, Alexis, who wound up pitching for powerhouse CDO and beat rival Salpointe in the State tournament semifinal (I was there in person). Rick was always available to work with an up and coming pitcher or to help out with fields or teams who needed a boost. He was very generous with his time when it came to softball.
Rick was also a successful youth soccer coach. He was the first girls soccer coach of the Pimienta twins, Laura and Priscilla at U10, who went on to Tucson Soccer Academy and UA greatness. I always attributed the Pimienta's love of soccer to running the table with Rick back in the old days of AYSO.
It was always comforting to know that Rick was just a couple of blocks away. Over the years, I saw Rick walking in the neighborhood after dinner with his dog, or working out at the NW YMCA in the mornings. In recent years, I would drive by his house to catch a glimpse of Rick, to share a story or two; catch up on the kids. I didn't know that he was ill until the last month or so.
Rick left a big impression with those of us who knew him on the NW side of town. RIP, my friend. You've left us too soon.
Renee Sitter
May 5, 2024
I will always remember Rick as a fun guy to be around. He was always there for his family and friends. He will be missed! Prayers and sympathy to all.
Love, Renee and Paul Sitter
tom curto
May 5, 2024
rick was my very best friend! we meet in 72 and we did everything together. best man at his wedding an he was at my wedding. vera and rick are a great couple, and rick was a good father! I well miss rick, with all my love for the brother he was too me.
Michelle "Red"
May 4, 2024
I had Rick as a softball coach. Always pushed me to be my best on and off the field. He will be missed!
Tony K
May 4, 2024
I had Rick as a little league coach growing up. His passion and life lessons taught through the game of baseball were a blessing. I like to think he helped shape the man I am today. He will be missed
Eileen Lamse
May 3, 2024
I worked at HBL, CPAs and Rick Alfonso handled our computer issues for many years. He was such a gentleman and always responsive and helpful. Prayers for the family.
Linda Cianciolo
May 3, 2024
Vera and Family,
So sorry for your loss. May all the good memories sustain you in the days to come. I'm unable to attend the mass, but will be there in thought and prayer.
Judy and Armando Lopez and family
May 3, 2024
Vera and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Sending prayers, love and hugs!
Bonny Bass
May 3, 2024
Vera, Fred and I are very sad to hear of Rick's passing. He was a most excellent person and fought so hard against the evil monster cancer. We hold many happy memories of him, and know you and your family do too. Prayers are with you.
Salpointe Catholic High School
May 2, 2024
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Alfonso family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Becky Greene
May 2, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Linda Sweeney
May 1, 2024
Dear Vera and children we are heartbroken over the loss of your beloved Rick. He was a most excellent human being and will never ever be forgotten. He was special to us and all who knew him. We love you Rick. Vera you and the kids will be in our prayers so that God will give you the "strength that is beyond normal " to sustain you each day. We love you. Gene Linda Aaron and Katelyn Sweeney
Kristine Castro
May 1, 2024
I will forever be grateful for the coach Rick was to our young ladies during the "Dynamite" era of softball. His great personality and passion for softball made an impression on them who continue to remember their Coach Alfonso....He was a wonderful human being and will be missed greatly....
Roxann Smith
May 1, 2024
Vera
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Roxann Smith (Hazen) and family
Holly Tatro
May 1, 2024
My husband and I met Richard when his son Ricky and my son Linwood "Scott" played baseball together at Park University in Kansas City Missouri. Wonderful man. We dad a great time with him, his wife and boys. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will keep you in my heart.
Monica Castillo
May 1, 2024
You were one of a kind! The best guy around. You will be missed!
The LeGrand Family
May 1, 2024
Our sincere condolences to all of Rick's the family. Rick was a wonderful man and made an big impression on all the kids and their families that he coached.
Rick will be loved and remembered by all the life's he touched. Rest in peace.
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