Richard Ador Aranas

Richard Ador Aranas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and respected leader in the trucking industry, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family at the age of 84 years old.

Richard was born on May 31, 1940, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Mel and Mary Aranas. He was the third of six children and the second eldest son. At the age of six, his family moved to Vallejo, California, where he later graduated from Vallejo High School in 1958. A gifted athlete, he competed in baseball, basketball, and track. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Armstrong College in 1963.

In 1963, Richard married his first wife, Carmen Aranas. Together, they shared 26 years and raised three children. In 1990, he found love again and married his soulmate, Bonda Aranas. Richard and Bonda shared over thirty-five years of devotion, travel, and family life.

A dedicated and proud father, Richard is survived by his children: Chris (Rachel) Aranas, Cindy (David) Matanane, Craig (Stephanie) Aranas, Toni (Victor) Perez, Greg (Del Rae) Grose, and Teri Aranas. Known affectionately as “Grandpa,” he will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Victoria, Mannix, Cassidy, Colton, Camden, Siena, Tasha, Carl, and Gianna, along with six great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

Richard had a deep love for all sports, the outdoors, especially fishing and bird hunting, and travel. He was known for his competitive spirit, generous heart, steady wisdom, and radiant smile. One of his proudest personal achievements came in 1998, when he scored a hole-in-one at 192 yards with a seven-wood—an earned milestone after 26 years of dedicated golfing.

Richard’s professional life was defined by dedication and leadership. After serving six years in the California National Guard, he went on to spend more than 62 years in the trucking industry. He was the principal owner of Sierra Valley International Trucks and later served as a Consultant for Central Valley Truck Center, now known as Affinity Truck Center. A committed member of the California Trucking Association (CTA) for over 57 years, Richard served more than 30 years on the Board of Directors and over three decades as Treasurer of the Central Valley Unit. He was honored with membership in the Golden Jubilee Club and played a key role in organizing many CTA events throughout his career.

In his final decade, Richard became a passionate supporter of Fresno State University, generously contributing to women’s athletics—particularly the basketball and volleyball program—through scholarships and endowments via the Bulldog Foundation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bonda, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who cherished him.

A Mass of Christian Burial Memorial Service for Richard will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center in Fresno, CA. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life Reception at Cardinal Newman Hall.

Richard’s life was marked by kindness, perseverance, generosity, and an unwavering drive to live each day to the fullest. His legacy of love, leadership, and action will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that DONATIONS be made to the Aranas Athletics Endowed Scholarship. Please make checks payable to The Bulldog Foundation and include "Richard Aranas" in the memo line.

Mail to:

The Bulldog Foundation

P.O. Box 26267

Fresno, CA 93729-6267

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Aranas family.