RICHARD "RICK" ONETO

1950 - 2024

Rick is survived by his daughters, Megan and Kari; his granddaughters Avery and Cora; his siblings Roxy, Judy, and Georgia; and many extended family and close friends.
Rick was born in Sonora, California, and enjoyed living in his hometown for most of his life. He reminisced about his days at Sonora Union High School and Columbia Junior College before serving in the Navy aboard the USS Schofield. Rick earned several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze star. He loved traveling, with Hawaii being one of his favorite places to revisit.
After his military service, Rick began a lifelong career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, monitoring geotechnical instrumentation. He held various roles, including constructing the New Melones Dam and serving as a DOD civilian in Iraq and Kuwait. One of his favorite roles was as "Office Pop," where he mentored interns and gathered friends and co-workers for lunches.
Rick cherished being a Poppa to his daughters and granddaughters, encouraging their dreams and passions, especially in art, cooking, and caring for others. He enjoyed riding his Harley Sportster, cooking, reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with friends at Stogies.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Posse grounds, 19130 Rawhide Road, Jamestown, CA 95327