Richard R Chaffino

Richard passed away peacefully at age 72. Resident of Tracy, California for 31 years. Born in Ysleta, Texas, El Paso County. One of the main houses he grew up on was with his grandparents. The biggest deal in that house was when the "indoor bathroom" was built, no more going to the outhouse. The house his parents purchased was a 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom for the family of eight. Siblings (Benny), (Richard), (Frank), Corrine, (Robert), and Helen, Teresa was born in California. (deceased)

At age 12, his parents, Benito and Luz moved their family to San Jose, California. Richard attended Grant Elementary and Peter Burnett Jr High.

Richard and Sandra met at San Jose High School. He was a senior and she was a freshmen. They started dating after he picked her up from cheerleading practice. Her high school sweetheart, she was smitten. Richard was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and “Papa” to his grandchildren. He was married to Sandra for 49 and a half years. Richard and Sandee met at San Jose High School. He was a senior, and she was a freshman. They started dating after he picked her up from cheerleading practice. He was her high school sweetheart, she was smitten. They have two children: Richard L. Chaffino (Elizabeth Bisarra) and Shannon Llamas (Jeffrey). Grandchildren Kiani and Christian-Elijah, and Alissa, Mia, Sabrina, Sophia and Olivia. Survived by sisters Corrine Belarmino (Steve), Helen Contreras (Miguel Sr.), Teresa Morales (Carlos Jr.) and Geraldine Chaffino. Proud Uncle and Godfather. He was generous and stubborn. A good friend, avid Los Angeles Rams and Dodgers fan, and a rhinoceros collector. He will be missed!

He was a natural athlete. He played basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, bowling, badminton, volleyball, and softball. He was a consummate coach and mentor for many years. Before marriage, he coached youth football, high school girls' basketball and tennis teams. After marriage, he coached Men’s softball, Women’s softball, and youth bowling. When the granddaughters were old enough, he bought them bikes, took them bowling, and taught them golf. Coached their youth basketball and T-ball teams. He attributes his love of baseball to a doctors’ wife, who gifted him equipment and uniform to play Little League in El Paso, Texas.

He went to San Jose City College to pursue a career in Administration of Justice. In 1974, he was hired by the City of San Jose as a Groundskeeper. Richard worked his way up through education, and challenging himself to change departments to further his career. After 31 years of service, Richard retired as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was very proud to have been part of the setup crew of San Jose's “Christmas in the Park” in its early years.

A visitation for Richard Chaffino will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Lima Family Milpitas Fremont Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 29th, 2026 at 10:00am with burial to follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park 48800 Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539.