Richard John Pichette

Rich was born in Waterbury, CT, son of Rosaire (Curly) Pichette and Doris Pichette. Rich leaves one brother, Ronald (Jean) of CT. Rich is Survived by his wife Penny (Giramondi) of Moreno Valley of 49 years, his children Rit (Janel) of Nuevo, Mike of Moreno Valley, Jill (Michael) Murr of San Jacinto, Joe (Michelle) of Moreno Valley, 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosaire (curly) and Doris Pichette of CT, brothers, David of CT and Donald of NJ, sister, Nancy of CT and his daughter, Wendy of CT.

Before moving to California, Rich was President of the Eagles Club in Bristol, CT.

Rich was Founder and past Governor of the Moreno Valley Moose Lodge, beloved ROP restaurant occupations instructor at Moreno Valley High School and was an inspiration to his many student for 19 years.

Rich brought cruising back to life, starting in the Inland Empire when he and Penny owned the Jet Drive In, in Moreno Valley (Sunnymead, CA) Cars would come as far as Los Angeles to San Diego to experience what it was like in the 50’s.

Rich was one of the founders of the Desert Tin (car club) and a member of the Old Farts Racing Team. In 1982, Rich founded West Coast Kustoms (car club) and started the West Coast Crusin’ National that became the west’s largest and best known outdoor car show primarily for custom cars. The event was held for many years in Paso Robles, lovingly referred simply as “Paso.” The event has grown considerably in recent years and is now held in Santa Maria.

Rich leaves a legacy of reviving the Custom Car in today’s car culture, which the recognition of the custom car builder. Rich created West Coast Kustoms Hal of Fame, which recognizes past and current car builders, as well as others that were responsible for building and promoting the hobby. Rich himself was inducted into the Grand National Roadsters Show Hall of Fame, The San Francisco Rod and Custom Show, Kustom Kemps Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award for KKOA and the Ricky Award.

This upcoming September, he will be inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in San Bernardino, CA and also a special recognition will be bestowed on him for his tireless effort in bringing back the awareness to Customs for the past 30 years, at the Long Beach MortoRama, in Long Beach, CA.

Rich has made numerous friends throughout his life and has made a very strong impact on them. He will be greatly missed by all for his hobby, his dream, his foresight and strong motivation and generous support.

Arrangements under the direction of Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, Riverside, CA.